Ireland 'the puppy farm capital of Europe' where 200 dogs a week are stolen

Some suspected stolen dogs recovered by gardaí last year. Some pedigree dogs are selling on the black market for €2,000 to €3,000. Photo via Garda Press Office

Up to 200 dogs are being stolen from Irish homes every week as criminal gangs step up their efforts to cash in on the lucrative Christmas market for stolen canines. Pet owners have been advised to raise their guard over the festive season, amid warnings that raids by dog-nappers are on the rise.

Robert Kenny, Ireland's only fully-qualified pet detective, said smaller pedigree breeds, including cavachons, King Charles spaniels and Pomeranians, are the top targets for thieves. Mr Kenny said many dogs that are lifted in Ireland are stolen to order for illegal breeding centres in Wales and Scotland.