Gardaí launch probe after third break-in at animal shelter in a week

Gardaí have launched an investigation after several dogs were stolen during a break-in at an animal shelter in Cork.

Forensic experts conducted a full technical examination at the Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA) headquarters in Mahon yesterday, and were examining CCTV footage after the incident on Wednesday night.

It was the second break-in at the premises in two nights, and the third in just over a week.

The thieves caused substantial damage to security fencing and locks during the break-in, which occurred after 10pm.

CSPCA manager Vincent Cashman said the charity spent some €3,000 beefing up security in recent weeks, including welding bolts on security fencing, fitting new locks, and installing an array of CCTV cameras.

“It’s a lot of money for a charity, and money that could have been better spent on providing services,” he said.

“But we will obviously have to undertake a full security review now to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

The thieves who struck on Wednesday night removed an entire section of fencing to gain access to the pound’s yard.

They smashed locks and broke into kennels before making off with two dogs — a lurcher and a terrier.

They abandoned the terrier a short time later. It was found nearby and picked up by the dog warden yesterday. The lurcher is still missing along with four other dogs — lurchers and terriers — from the previous break-ins. Three of those dogs were about to be rehomed through an animal welfare charity in Sweden. They had been microchipped, vaccinated, and neutered, were ready to be shipped out, and are of no breeding or monetary value, Mr Cashman said.

Anyone with information can contact gardaí at Blackrock on 021 4536690.