32 Dogs Worth More Than £108,000 Seized In Dublin Property Search

Police in Ireland have seized 32 dogs that are believed to be stolen after conducting searches in County Dublin.

The dogs are thought to have a monetary value of more than €120,000 (£108,000).

Gardaí were working alongside two dog wardens to conduct the searches after they received a report of unusual activity in the Swords, just outside of the Irish capital city.

Upon arrival at the property in Cloghran, they found 32 dogs including three chihuahuas, four pugs, 24 dachshunds and one Jack Russell terrier.

All of the dogs have now been taken to Ashtown Dog Pound where they will be cared for before hopefully being returned to their owners after verification via microchips.

Further investigations will also be carried out to determine how the dogs found their way to the property in the first place.

An Garda Siochana tweeted: "Gardaí have seized 32 dogs that are believed to be stolen following searches in Swords yesterday afternoon

"3 Chihuahuas, 4 Pugs, 1 Jack Russell & 24 Dachshunds with an estimated value of €120,000 were found

"Enquiries to reunite the dogs with their owners are now underway."

Gardaí from the Swords and Malahide stations entered the property in Stockhole after obtaining a Section 48 search warrant.

Meanwhile, across the other side of the Irish Sea, figures were announced in July by DogLost claim the number of dogs being stolen has increased dramatically over lockdown.

DogLost specialise in reuniting beloved pets with their relieved owners, and they claimed they'd received 48 reports of stolen dogs between 23 March and 1 June 2020, which is an increase on the 29 they received over the same time period in 2019.

They also added that some breeds of dog are most likely to be targeted by thieves, including popular dogs such as chihuahuas, French bulldogs and cockapoos.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, police claimed there was 'anecdotal evidence' that appeared to support the claims made by DogLost, but added that police forces don't keep specific records about the theft of dogs, as they are considered 'a theft of property'.

Freedom of Information requests revealed an average of five dogs per day were stolen in England last year, although the figure could be higher as the crimes are not always reported.

Jane Frankland, from DogLost, said: "Many dogs are being stolen because of a sudden high demand due to an increase in the price of puppies.

"Dogs are taken from gardens, kennels, even on walks. We advise people to always be on your guard."

Featured Image Credit: An Garda Siochana

Topics: Ireland, Animals, Dogs

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

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