Garda raid leads to recovery of missing pet farm dogs

A Garda swoop on foot of a warrant on a property near Bandon has recovered family pets, including purebred dogs and vulnerable puppies, taken from a pet farm near Killarney at the weekend.

Killarney detectives operating on information, searched the property near the Co Cork town on Monday night and recovered the pugs, Phoebe, Brad and Lola, the chihuahua, Ruby, and four weanling puppies all snatched from Kennedy’s Pet Farm near Killarney.

Supt Flor Murphy said gardaí had ensured that all media, including social media, were alerted immediately.

“It’s important that the public are made aware immediately, particularly where suspected criminals are travelling out of the county. The welfare of the pups was critical,” Supt Murphy said.

The family have expressed their joy and thanked the public for their overwhelming support.

103-year-old Jackie ‘The Farmer’ O’Sullivan from Killarney telephoned to offer his support, and the Coolwood animal and wildlife reserve also offered help.

Noreen Kennedy was sitting at home, minding her grandchild when detectives — beaming from ear to ear — pulled up with the dogs on board.

“The Killarney gardaí were unbelievable,” she said. “The speed with which they brought back the puppies.”

The dogs were very excited and the puppies delighted to be back with their mother.

“It’s a real family reunion,” Ms Kennedy remarked.

Gardaí are still looking for other stolen items, including chainsaws and golden pheasants. No arrests have been made so far.