“Irish ‘Lion’ Mystery Solved: Dog Named Mouse”

LISTEN | Full interview with Irish forest manager John O’Reilly:

As It Happens6:02The ‘lion’ filmed roaming the Irish countryside is a Newfoundland dog named Mouse

Upon viewing a video featuring a large animal resembling a lion in an Irish forest, John O’Reilly experienced conflicting thoughts. 

While initially skeptical about a lion inhabiting an Irish woodland, O’Reilly admitted, “It sure as hell looked like a lion.”

Contrary to expectations, the creature turned out to be a brown Newfoundland dog with a lion-style haircut.

‘You’re not going to believe it’

The peculiar situation began when workers from O’Reilly’s forest management firm in County Clare, Ireland, noticed a large unidentified animal in the woods.

Despite limited sightings, a truck driver captured the animal on camera last week.

The viral video footage displayed a sizable brown animal with distinct features dashing into the forest.

Although lions are not native to Ireland, O’Reilly couldn’t dismiss the lion-like appearance captured on video, suspecting it might be an exotic pet.

Subsequently, O’Reilly felt compelled to inform local authorities about the situation.

Revealing the video to the police, O’Reilly recalled their astonishment, emphasizing it was genuine footage captured by a worker rather than computer-generated.

Following police investigations and collaboration with local officials, An Garda Síochána confirmed the animal’s true identity.

According to a social media post by the police, the “lion” was, in fact, a devoted Newfoundland dog sporting a fresh haircut named Mouse.

While Mouse’s owners remain anonymous, O’Reilly remains curious about the unusual grooming choice.

Reflecting on the situation, O’Reilly speculated that Mouse may have received the lion cut for Halloween festivities, envisioning the surprise it would bring to onlookers.

Notably, experts caution against shaving Newfoundland dogs unless for medical reasons due to potential health risks associated with their thick coat.

Interestingly, this incident is not the first time dogs have been mistaken for other animals, showcasing the unexpected outcomes of unique grooming styles.