Outrage in Leitrim after stray dog killed in hit-and-run incident

Leitrim Animal Welfare has urged motorists to exercise greater caution following a tragic incident over the weekend.

In a post on social media, the welfare centre explained that a stray dog was fatally struck by a driver who failed to stop outside the GAA pitch in Aughavas.

“Kind members of the public stopped to help after witnessing a car strike him outside Aughavas football pitch. Tragically, the driver did not stop. We sincerely thank those who stayed with this poor dog until we arrived,” Leitrim Animal Welfare wrote.

The dog was collected by their animal warden service and was found to be male, unneutered, not microchipped, and approximately four to five years old.

He sustained severe head injuries and a spinal fracture. Following a veterinary assessment, the centre made the most humane decision to euthanise him in order to prevent further suffering.

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They stated that the situation might have been avoided had the dog’s presence in the area been reported earlier. “If this dog had been reported to us previously, we could have intervened and ensured he was brought to safety. We cannot stress this enough, if you see a dog straying, please contact your local Animal Warden. Reporting a stray dog could truly save their life,” they wrote.

They also appealed to motorists to take extra care on the roads. “If a child or adult had been struck by a car, there would rightly be public outrage. Sadly, when it is an animal, the reaction is often quieter. Yet animals are sentient beings.

“This means they can feel pain, fear, and distress, and they are capable of forming bonds and understanding their surroundings. Their lives matter too. We ask drivers to slow down, stay alert, and act responsibly.”

The post generated significant engagement on Facebook, receiving more than 1,000 likes, over 100 comments, and upwards of 70 shares.

“How anyone could hit an animal and drive away is beyond me, breaks my heart. Thank you for the people that stopped and stayed with him,” one person commented under the post.

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“This is heartbreaking. Shame on any driver who hits an animal and drives on. Also the people who see an animal suffering and do nothing,” commented another.