Garda appeal as pet farm ransacked

Gardaí in Killarney are investigating a robbery at a popular pet farm which saw the owner family’s pets, new-born puppies as well as showcase pheasants removed.

The raid at Kennedy’s Pet Farm near Killarney on the main N22, took place under darkness, probably in the early hours of Saturday morning and was discovered at first light, at feeding time.

Noreen Kennedy, owner said the family were “heart broken”. Three pug puppies, belonging to her daughter, as well as the family pet golden retriever Saoirse were taken.

The pheasant pen was destroyed and six golden and silver cock-pheasants removed. “This was wanton destruction. Utter blackguarding — they caught the pheasants by their tails and there are feathers everywhere. What they took away must have been like a plucked chicken,” Ms Kennedy said.

The pet farm’s chihuaha was also taken as well as a litter of newborn puppies belonging to a Yorkshire cross terrier.

“We are completely heart broken and just want them back for their welfare,” Ms Kennedy said. She doubted if the pugs, Brad, Phoebe and Lola, who are just weeks old, will survive.

They were taken from their mother in the kennel.

Pens were left open and animals left out of their enclosures. Bizarrely, the pet farm’s coffee shop was also broken into, and dozens of loose chocolate bars and sweets were snatched.

Ms Kennedy suspects that those who attacked had visited the pet farm, popular with families, and knew the lay-out.

An appeal has gone out on the farm’s Facebook page, with pictures of the animals. Gardaí in Killarney have undertaken a technical examination of the farm and are keeping a close eye on festivals and fairs in the southwest.