HEARTLESS thieves snatched a litter of new-born puppies, other much-loved family pets and a variety of rare birds in a daring after dark raid on a pet farm in Killarney the early hours of this Saturday morning.
Fears have been expressed for the safety of four three-week-old pups that have not been weaned and are likely to die if they are not returned to their mother.
The raiders pounced at Kennedy’s Pet Farm and made off with a litter of shih tzu pups as well as three pugs, a chihuahua, a gentle golden retriever, a Yorkshire cross and six pheasants.
The discovery was made by the farm owners when they went to feed the animals at 8 o’clock this Saturday morning.
The devastated Kennedy family has pleaded with the public to be on the lookout for anybody offering the animals for sale.
“We can’t believe this has happened and that someone would take our animals without regard for their welfare,” Noreen Kennedy said.
“We are completely heartbroken and just want them back for their welfare.”
“The puppies need care. They need their mother,” Mrs Kennedy said.
The thieves gained access to sheds on the farm and, in addition to targeting the animals, they also stole a quantity of cash from an office and ransacked a coffee shop.
Two of the pheasants stolen are silver and black in colour and others are red golden and yellow golden. Two others are of the Lady Amherst breed.
The Kennedy family’s pet golden retriever, Saoirse, a 12-year-old chihuahua named Ruby and three pugs – Brad, Phoebe and Lola – were snatched along with the four shih tzu pups.
Garda Michelle Roche of Killarney Garda Station has appealed to anyone who may be approached to buy the animals or anyone with information to contact them.
She said the main driveway to the pet farm was blocked by the Kennedy’s own vehicle so the culprits must have gained access from the main road on foot and some passer-by may have noticed something. The raid occurred between 11 o’clock on Friday night and 8 o’clock this Saturday.
Kennedy’s Pet Farm – a popular tourist attraction – is located just outside Killarney town, on the main road to Cork.
