Massive ‘Lion’ Sighting in Ireland Turns Out to Be Dog with Unique Haircut

The police in Mountshannon, Ireland, have resolved the mystery surrounding recent sightings of what some believed to be a ‘lion’ in the area. It turns out that the creature was simply a large dog sporting an extravagant haircut.

In late October 2025, a video began circulating on various social media platforms, including WhatsApp. This footage, captured from a car, depicted a substantial, golden-brown creature with a distinctive tuft of fur at the end of its tail vanishing into the nearby woods as the driver honked their horn in an attempt to capture its attention.

The video understandably incited panic among local residents and prompted local law enforcement to investigate the potential threat.

Gardaí have said that they’ve received no reports of a lion on the loose in Co. Meath, after footage circulated on social media claiming to show just that. The footage is believed to have been recorded somewhere in the Kells area, in Co. Meath.pic.twitter.com/KEmvFv6PTP

— Boyne News (@BoyneNews) October 30, 2025

Internet Sensation: ‘Lion’ Video Revealed to be a Newfoundland Dog

Fortunately for the community, the threat of a loose lion was unfounded. The supposed lion featured in the video was actually someone’s very large pet dog enjoying an afternoon walk.

On November 4, Ireland’s National Police and Security Service shared a photo of the furry culprit, confirming that the creature was a Newfoundland dog, a breed known for its impressive size and gentle demeanor, originating from the region of eastern Canada.

The confusion likely arose from the dog’s distinctive ‘lion cut, ’ a popular grooming style that resembles the mane of a lion, making it easy to mistake for a big cat from a distance.

Mystery solved! Turns out the “lion” spotted roaming Clare was just a Newfoundland dog with a fresh haircut!Gardaí from Killaloe have concluded that the recent video of a “lion like” animal roaming around the woods in East Clare is in fact the very friendly dog named ‘Mouse’.pic.twitter.com/xjlms0nNaY

— Garda Info (@gardainfo) November 4, 2025

“Mystery solved! The supposed ‘lion’ seen in Clare was merely a Newfoundland dog with a stylish new haircut!” the police posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“Following an investigation, Gardaí from Killaloe confirmed that the so-called ‘lion-like’ animal spotted in the woods in East Clare is indeed a friendly dog named ‘Mouse.’”

This amusing incident has sparked laughter among Irish netizens, with many referencing an earlier viral moment when a zoo in China tried to masquerade Chow Chow dogs as tigers to attract visitors.

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