Witnesses are believed to have seen a van in the area shortly before they were taken
14:27, 24 Jan 2026Updated 14:40, 24 Jan 2026
One-and-a-half-year-old Beagle, Rupert(Image: An Garda Síochána Tipperary)
It is one of the worst things pet owners can imagine happening: waking up one day to find their precious four-legged friend stolen by thieves.
In the past few years, it has sadly been a much-too-common story, and now Tipperary Gardaí are appealing for information after someone ran off with two beloved dogs earlier this week.
Mouse, a four-year-old Foxhound and one-and-a-half-year-old Beagle, Rupert, went missing on Monday, January 19, between 2:10 and 2:25 pm. The theft occurred between Rockwell College and Racecourse Cross on the Cashel to New Inn Road (R639). Both dogs are neutered and microchipped, and witnesses are believed to have seen a van in the area shortly before they were taken.
Their owner is undoubtedly distraught and missing the two pups, so if you have any information, get in contact with Clonmel Garda Station on 0526177640 or Cahir Garda Station on 0527445630.
It is not just the Gardaí who are actively looking for the stolen dogs, Cork’s C.S.P.C.A has also shared about the dogs on social media, as has Molly Moo’s Westie Rescue in Limerick.
Four-year-old Foxhound Mouse(Image: An Garda Síochána Tipperary)
One-and-a-half-year-old Beagle, Rupert(Image: An Garda Síochána Tipperary)
A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí are seeking information about the theft of two dogs on Monday 19th of January between 14:10hrs and 14:25hrs.
“The incident occurred between Rockwell College and Racecourse Cross on the Cashel to New Inn Road (R639). Picture of both dogs attached. Both are microchipped. 4 year old foxhound named Mouse, 1 and half year old Beagle named Rupert.
“Any information contact Clonmel Garda Station on 0526177640 or Cahir Garda Station on 0527445630 or any Garda Station.”
Pet thefts have been on the rise in recent years, and in some cases, dogs stolen in Cork have been found in vans on their way to UK ferries – or in one case, a dog was found as far away as Somerset in England. In some cases, stolen dogs are used in cruel sports, such as badger baiting.
Oftentimes, these horror stories have happy endings, such as when Ruby the Cavachon was reunited with her family after brazen thieves forced open a car window and stole her.