Gardai have confirmed that the lion was a dog – with unusual fur
16:04, 04 Nov 2025Updated 16:34, 04 Nov 2025
Concerns over a “lion” roaming around Irish woodlands have been allayed by gardai, who have concluded the animal was actually a dog.
A video circulated on social media sites and the WhatsApp messaging platform last week showed an animal that looked like a lion entering a wooded area.
The sighting was reported to have occurred near Mountshannon, Co Clare – with some social media posts also linking the event to Kells, Co Meath.
The mystery sighting
On Tuesday, Gardai said that the sighting of a lion-like animal was a dog.
Gardai from Killaloe concluded that the animal roaming around the woods was a Newfoundland breed, adding that the particular dog was named Mouse.
(Image: PA)
A garda with Mouse
They said the dog was “delighted with his recent viral video clip”.
Mouse’s fur appears to have been shaved down to leave a lengthy tuft on the tip of the tail, while also preserving the appearance of a mane around his head and neck.
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