A number of investigations are under way into the dumping of young calves in rural and isolated areas in the country over recent weeks.
In Co Tipperary the local authority has disposed of 14 dead calves that were discovered recently.
Walkers in the Rossmore area of the county have recently discovered a further two calves dumped in a ditch beside a rural roadway.
Last weekend a local family discovered the remains of four young calves in a drain beside the popular walking trail near Derryville in the county.
Tipperary County Council are investigating the matter along with the Department of Agriculture and gardaí.
Independent Councilllor Jim Ryan said people have been horrified at the discovery.
He said that he has been a public representative for 22 year and has never seen this level of animal dumping.
Cllr Ryan said from the messages that he is getting from concerned members of the public, that he fears that far more animals are being dumped than what is being reported.
President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association Pat McCormack criticised those involved in the illegal dumping of farm animals.
He said that their actions are threatening public health and the environment.
Mr McCormack also said the cost of the disposal of dead farm animals needs to be addressed by the Department of Agriculture, adding that it has increased substantially in recent years.
