Joint operation between Limerick City and County Council and Limerick Gardaí recover ten dogs

At 7pm, Gardaí from Newcastle West District Drugs Unit, assisted by Rathkeale Gardaí and Limerick City and County Council’s Veterinary Services and Dog Wardens, executed a search warrant at a property in the Rathkeale area. 

During the course of the search Gardaí found a large number of dogs on the property. Upon checking the dogs, they had no dog licenses or proper identification papers. 

Ten dogs including Labradors, Springer Spaniels, English Setters, Cavalier King Charles and Huskies were seized and are currently being cared for in a local shelter. 

Through initial enquiries, Gardaí have since reunited one of the dogs, a Cavalier King Charles, with its owner. The dog was stolen in the Dromcollogher area of Co Limerick on 09 June 2020. 

Gardaí are now appealing to help reunite the other nine suspected stolen dogs with their owners. 

Photographs have been posted on Limerick.ie and the Council’s Twitter Account @LimerickCouncil, as well as the social media channels operated by the Gardaí. 

Owners are asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station via email to Newcastle_West_DS@garda.ie 

Anna Davis, Veterinary Officer with Limerick City and County Council said: “Limerick City and County Council’s Veterinary Services collaborated with An Garda Síochána throughout this operation.” 

“When the dogs were recovered, overall, they were in good condition. It is absolutely imperative that all dogs are licenced and microchipped to the current owner to help with traceability.” 

Garda Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Ber Leetch said “We are advising everyone to take extra precautions for their dog’s safety. For your dog’s security, I would recommend they are microchipped so that they can be easily identified if found and returned to the owner. Remember if you have just purchased a dog to get the details on the chip updated to reflect your details.” 

“Also place contact details on their collar in the event that they escape. Ensure that your home and garden are secure to prevent theft and deter potential culprits.” 

“If you have a high value breed of animal you may wish to consider CCTV and other crime prevention measures. If you are buying a dog, or returning a dog to its suspected owners, make sure the person is bona fide.” 

“I would also like to thank Limerick City and County Council’s Veterinary Services and Dog Wardens for their assistance during this operation and for helping house the dogs whilst we carry out our enquiries”.