Gardaí Refuse To Address Key Discrepancies In Seized Dog Case

Thursday, 24 July 2025 15:33

By Martin Osborne

The female dog was removed from a property by volunteers from the Kildare Animal Foundation and described in a vet report as “very weak, lethargic, malnourished and dehydrated.”

Gardaí say there is “no additional information available” at this time, as questions mount over the condition of a dog seized in Co. Laois earlier this month and later returned to its owner.

A veterinary report seen by Kfm appears to contradict Garda claims that diabetes alone explained the animal’s poor condition.

The female dog was removed from a property by volunteers from the Kildare Animal Foundation and described in a vet report as “very weak, lethargic, malnourished and dehydrated.”

While blood tests confirmed the dog is diabetic, the vet’s report states: “Uncontrolled diabetes unlikely to have caused this emaciation alone.”

That contrasts with a Garda statement which said the dog’s appearance was consistent with diabetes and that a vet had deemed her in acceptable condition to return home.

The dog responded to initial treatment under the care of the animal welfare team - but over a week later, Gardaí secured a warrant and removed her, returning the dog to its original owner.

Gardaí maintain they are satisfied the dog is now receiving appropriate care and say the situation is being monitored.

A claim by Gardaí that an officer attended the initial vet appointment has also been disputed by a Foundation volunteer, who says no member of An Garda Síochána was present.

Gardai did not provide answers to queries when asked about this in a series of questions sent to the Garda Press Office this morning.

Kfm has also seen an invoice detailing how the cost for the care of the dog before it was taken back from the Kildare Animal Foundation amounts to hundreds of euro.