Spate of dogs being stolen in rural Kildare sparks concern

Dog owners in rural Co Kildare are being urged to be 'extra vigilant' following reports of thefts within the last few days.

It is understood that three family pets in the Ballitore area were stolen within 24 hours.

Willie Keatley is the devastated owner of missing four -year-old Tiny,  while Jason Moore is also appealing for the safe return of three -year-old border terriers Lil and Taz.

It is understood that the two border terriers were locked into a shed behind the Moore's family home when they were stolen on Friday evening, at about 8pm.

The door of the shed was forced open.

24 hours before that, just a mile down the road, beloved Tiny is understood to have been stolen from the Keatley home. A reward is being offered for the safe return of the dog.

Mr Keatley said: "Tiny would never go anywhere without us, there is no way that he strayed.  We would love to get him back.  We have had dogs here all our life, I was born and raised in this house, this has never happened before."