Puppy rescued in Limerick 'from youths kicking him around like a football'

City councillor says An Garda Síochána will not set up a dedicated unit as the Department of Agriculture has primary responsibility for the care of animals

Milo, the puppy who was rescued by a Limerick animal charity after being 'kicked like a football'. Picture: Limerick Animal Welfare/Facebook

A puppy has been rescued by a Limerick charity after being "kicked around like a football".

Milo, who is only a couple of weeks old, is now in the care of Limerick Animal Welfare (LAW).

"Milo was rescued from youths kicking him around like a football. He is only a few weeks old with a belly full of worms," posted the charity alongside pictures of the puppy on Facebook. LAW said the puppy was rescued by a woman who witnessed the incident.

Earlier this year, Limerick City North councillor Sarah Beasley had put a motion forward to call for a dedicated Garda unit to help protect abused animals.

She later said she was told by the Chief Superintendent that such a unit would not be established, as the Department of Agriculture has the primary responsibility for the care of animals. 

In response to a query by the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson for the gardai said less than 10 incidents of animal cruelty have been reported in Limerick so far this year.

"Less than 10 incidents of animal cruelty have been reported in Limerick in 2024," they added.