Gardaí respond after Kildare Animal Foundation's 'neglected dog' story causes outrage online

An Garda Síochána has issued a response after appeals were made by the Kildare Animal Foundation concerning a “neglected dog” which was taken in and then removed from their care to be returned to its owner.

A member of the public initially contacted Gardaí on Saturday, July 12. Gardaí located the dog and checked its welfare. As the homeowner was not present, the dog was taken into care by An Garda Síochána while enquiries were being undertaken. A member of An Garda Síochána then brought the dog to a veterinarian in Co. Kildare for assessment and any required medical care.

The Gardaí response stated, "The vet confirmed that the dog is diabetic and that this condition requires ongoing medical treatment in order to address the dog’s frail appearance. A volunteer with the Kildare Animal Foundation attended this medical appointment with the Garda and was informed by the vet of the same expert view and subsequently took the dog into their care overnight."

The issue with the local animal welfare charity arose when Gardaí returned to collect the dog and return it to its owner. In their social media post, the Kildare Animal Foundation acknowledged that they “refused” to hand over the dog and claimed they were facing a summons for impeding Gardaí in the course of their duties. The KAF also wrote that the same Garda later arrived with a warrant to search the property and seize the dog. The local animal charity claimed that “a certain amount of weight loss with Diabetes is normal but this is way beyond that level.”

The An Garda Síochána statement continued: “On Sunday, July 13, 2025 Gardaí returned to the house in Co. Laois where the dog had been seized the day previous amid concern for its welfare. The Garda spoke with the dog’s owner to explain the circumstances and why An Garda Síochána seized her animal.

“A vet has provided proof of the dog’s diagnosis to Gardaí and confirmed that the dog has been under their care regularly for the past number of years. At the dog’s most recent appointment this year, the vet determined that the dog’s health was within the normal range for her condition.

“The vet that assessed the dog on Sunday, July 13 of 2025 also confirmed that the dog’s condition was acceptable and free to return home to its owner.

“An Garda Síochána is satisfied that the dog is cared for, will continue to check-in to ensure the vet’s care plan for diabetes is followed and therefore returned the dog to its rightful owner.

“While well-intended, the commentary shared on social media has not been accurate or helpful, and has caused upset to the dog’s owner.

“As was the case in this instance, An Garda Síochána take concerns raised regarding an animal’s welfare very seriously and are looked at thoroughly. We will continue to work closely with those that volunteer with animal welfare charities, those working with the Department of Agriculture as well as Local Authorities nationwide.”

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