There has been a worrying increase in the number of dogs gone missing or suspected to be stolen in Galway County in recent months.
The County Council says that their Dog Warden Service has seen a worrying increase in the number of reports of pets missing, as well as suspected dog thefts.
“The demand for pet dogs have increased during the Covid 19 pandemic and we are appealing to members of the public to be extra vigilant in caring for your pet during this period.”
Just recently a litter of Foxhound puppies was stolen from a family home in Craughwell during the night of June 21, only to be recovered along with multiple other dogs during a cross-border police operation in Belfast on their way to a ferry.
In another example of how stolen pets can travel long distances, Galway Gardaà last week recovered a Jack Russell Terrier which had been stolen from a family home in Youghal, Co. Cork.
The county council is reminding people that it is a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped in Ireland, which must be registered with your up to date contact details on an approved government database.
“A microchip provides secure, reliable, and permanent identification, which greatly increases the likelihood that your pet, if lost, will be returned home to you.”
