There are several different circumstances where you might find a wandering or a dead animal. This page gives advice on how to deal with some of the more common circumstances.
When you see an animal wandering on the road
If you find live cattle, horses, donkeys, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry and domesticated deer wandering on a public road, report it to the police on 101 or online to the PSNI. The owners or keepers of these animals may be guilty of an offence.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/when-you-see-animals-wandering-road
When you find dead animals on the side of the road or on public land
Disposal of dead animals on land owned or controlled by the Roads Service is their responsibility.
Contact the Roads Service
If you see a dead animal on the side of the road or on public land and the owner is not known, you should report it the Council's Environmental Services team for collection.
Report a dead animal
You can also email environmentalservices@midulstercouncil.org or telephone 03000 132 132.
When you find dead animals on private land
Disposal of dead animals found on privately owned land is the responsibility of the landowner. This also applies to privately owned agricultural land where disposal is the responsibility of the farmer/landowner.
If a domestic pet or non-domestic animal like a fox, bird or badger is found dead in your house or garden, you must make your own arrangements to dispose of the animal.
In the interests of monitoring and understanding the spread of avian influenza (bird flu), you can report dead wild birds through DAERA’s online reporting system
Report a dead wild bird
Do not touch or handle any dead or visibly sick bird if you can avoid it, but if you must, wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible, keeping your hands away from your face and any food.
When you find dead animals on the banks of rivers, or in the river
Disposal of dead animals found on the banks of rivers, or in the river is the responsibility of the riparian (adjoining) farmer/landowner.
Where the carcass is causing an obstruction which is likely to lead to flooding, the Rivers Agency has responsibility for its disposal. You should contact the local Rivers Agency office to report the obstruction.
Contact your local DfI Rivers Agency Office:
When you find dead animals in a forestry site.
Disposal of dead animals on land owned by the Forestry Service is their responsibility.
Contact the Forestry Service