Narwhal carcass disposed of

CLARE County Council has defended its role in removing the remains of a whale, believed to have been a 15 foot Narwhal, which is an arctic breed. This species of whale has a long tusk and if confirmed to be a Narwhal, it would be the first of its kind seen in Ireland.
The partial remains of the decomposing mammal was discovered by a member of the public at Clahane, Liscannor and reported to the Ennistymon Area Office of Clare County Council on March 27.
“An investigation was immediately carried out by council officials who determined that the mammal had been in situ for at least several weeks. The mammal was found to be in an advanced state of decomposition and, as a result, the identity of the species could not be determined,” Clare County Council said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Due to the serious public health concerns surrounding the presence of a rotting carcass in a public amenity area, Clare County Council engaged the services of an animal disposal contractor, licensed by the Department of Agriculture under EU legislation, to remove the carcass. The contractor took the decision to immediately render the carcass, due to its advanced decomposed state,” the statement added.
The environment section of Clare County Council said it has not been contacted by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) regarding the matter. However, neither did the council say it had made contact with the Kilrush-based IWDG.