Gardai have warned pet owners to be vigilant after a spate of dog-nappings across the country.
The Herald reports today that dogs have disappeared - and are believed to have been stolen - after incidents in Dublin, Kildare, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford.
In Dublin, a number of valuable pure-bred dogs have also vanished in mysterious circumstances - with locals reporting spotting a van driving slowly around the areas involved.
In Cork, there have been three incidents over the past fortnight, with one case in Macroom involving the theft of three dogs - a whippet and two cream coloured poodles.
In Midleton a prized spaniel was stolen from a home.
Gardai have also seized dogs in two high-profile operations in Cork and Tipperary.
The seizures followed searches by the Cork City Crime Unit with help from the District Detective Unit at three addresses.
In Tipperary, a group of puppies were seized and placed in the care of a local animal shelter.
Gardai have now urged pet owners to follow strict guidelines in relation to animal welfare and security.
Owners were told to ensure all dogs are microchipped, the owner's contact details are logged inside the dog's collar, CCTV security cameras should be considered if valuable breeds are kept and anyone being offered a cut-price dog from a suspect source should immediately alert Gardai.
