Overview
- NSPCA inspectors discovered the badly burned remains of a dog in the Shangan area of Ballymun last Thursday and found what appeared to be a stick or pole lodged in the animal's body.
- Inspectors scanned the remains for a microchip but the damage was too severe to identify the animal.
- Gardaí confirmed they received a report on Saturday, 4 July, and have opened a criminal investigation alongside the NSPCA.
- The NSPCA described the incident as one of the most distressing cases its inspectors have seen and has appealed for anyone with information to contact inspector@nspca.ie with confidentiality assured.
- Local rescue groups condemned the finding and the NSPCA warned that weaknesses in Ireland's animal-welfare laws can hamper enforcement, a point that campaigners say should prompt stronger action on cruelty and unregulated puppy farms.