An estimated 160 dogs are being stolen from Irish homes every week, as gangs of dog-nappers step up their operations in the run-up to Christmas.

HUNDREDS of events are being held across the country in a bid to cultivate a life-long love among children for the wondrous world of books.

DUCKS on an artificial pond in Leinster House had to be rescued because they were dying off, it emerged yesterday.

UNDER law, you need a licence for a Red Setter — but not for a Bengal tiger.