EXCLUSIVE: Vet Refutes Viral Claims As Dog Welfare Row Erupts On Social Media As Gardai Respond

An Garda Síochána also addressed online commentary surrounding the case.

A dog seized by Gardaí over welfare concerns has been returned to its owner after a veterinary assessment confirmed it is receiving "appropriate" medical care, according to the Garda Press Office.

The incident began when Gardaí were alerted to concerns about the dog’s condition at a property in Co. Laois. 

The homeowner was not present when officers arrived and the female dog appeared to be in poor health.

Gardaí seized the dog with the assistance of volunteers from the Kildare Animal Foundation.

The dog was transported to a veterinary clinic in Kildare for assessment over its "seemingly frail appearance," a Garda spokesperson said.

They said a volunteer from the Kildare Animal Foundation "attended" the appointment with a Garda, where they were informed of the dog’s medical needs and took the animal into temporary care overnight.

"The vet confirmed that the dog is diabetic and that this condition requires ongoing medical treatment in order to address the dog’s seemingly frail appearance. A volunteer with a local animal welfare charity attended this medical appointment with the Garda, was informed by the vet of the same expert view and subsequently took the dog into their care overnight," the spokesperson said. 

However, a volunteer at the Foundation has disputed this account, saying no Garda member attended the appointment with them.

On Sunday, July 13th, Gardaí returned to the Laois home and met with the owner. 

The circumstances around the dog’s removal were explained.

However, according to the Garda spokesperson, the dog’s long-time vet provided "proof" of diagnosis and "regular care".

The vet, according to Gardai, said the dog’s health was within the "normal range" for a diabetic animal and had been stable at recent appointments.

They said a second vet, who examined the dog that same day, confirmed the animal was in an "acceptable" condition and could return home.

This second assessment, however, has been disputed by volunteers at the Kildare Animal Foundation, who kept the dog under their care after it was released.

Kfm understands that Gardai based in Laois then obtained a warrant to take the dog from the facility in Kildare in order to bring it back to its owner in Laois.

We also understand that Gardai had requested to remove the dog prior to the warrant being issued but members of the Kildare Animal Foundation refused their request, citing concern's over the dog's health.

An Garda Síochána also sought to address online commentary surrounding the case. 

They stated that while "well-intended", some social media claims have "not been accurate" and, they said, have caused "upset" to the dog’s owner.

In a post online, a member of the Kildare Animal Foundation said: "This is not a vendetta. We are just astounded that these events took place. We have had meaningful discussions with Gardai in County Kildare who are conducting their own enquiries despite the fact that the rescue did not even happen in this county."

They added: "This is about one dog first and foremost and we must remember no one has been convicted of anything at this point. It is unhelpful for followers to speculate who and where."

The Garda spokesperson said, however, that they are now "fully satisfied" that the dog is receiving "appropriate care". 

They said they will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the diabetic treatment plan is followed.