Overview
- Ireland’s national police posted photos confirming the animal was Mouse, a friendly Newfoundland, and said there is no big cat at large.
- The video was filmed on Oct. 29 near Mountshannon by a truck driver and spread widely online, with some posts mistakenly linking it to Kells, Co. Meath.
- Mouse’s recent “lion cut” left a mane-like ruff and a tufted tail that made the large dog resemble a lion in the low-quality footage.
- Animal-welfare officials, including the USPCA, warned that shaving a double-coated Newfoundland can lead to overheating and sunburn unless medically necessary.
- Before confirming the dog’s identity, witnesses and police considered explanations ranging from a deer to an AI-altered clip, and the Gardaí have now closed their inquiries.