Kildare Animal Foundation dispute Gardaí statement and launch petition over 'neglected dog'
A post from the Kildare Animal Foundation outlining an incident where a dog was taken in and then removed from their care to be returned to the owner prompted online outrage and a Gardaí statement
The Kildare Animal Foundation (KAF) have responded to a Gardaí statement regarding the removal of a 'neglected dog' from their care and subsequently returned to the owner. The KAF outlined their version of the events and said they did so to "amend some inaccuracies" in the response from An Garda Síochána.
Kildare radio station Kfm reported that they have seen a clinical report of the dog's condition which detailed how blood tests confirmed the dog is diabetic, with extremely high glucose levels. The clinical report from July 13 also stated that “uncontrolled diabetes unlikely to have caused this emaciation alone.”
This reporting differs to the Gardaí statement given to the Leinster Leader on July 24, which was posted on the KAF Facebook page, that said "at the dog’s most recent appointment this year, the vet determined that the dog’s health was within the normal range for her condition. The vet that assessed the dog on Sunday, July 13 of 2025 also confirmed that the dog’s condition was acceptable and free to return home to its owner."
The report viewed by Kfm states that the dog was weak, lethargic, emaciated, and dehydrated.
The initial incident involved the dog being taken into KAF’s care after a member of the public initially contacted Gardaí on Saturday, July 12. The homeowner was not present, the dog was taken into care by An Garda Síochána while enquiries were being undertaken and, after veterinary assessment, spent the night with the KAF.
The KAF have also now launched a petition to return the dog, Lauren, to their care and are appealing to Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan.
When contacted by the Leinster Leader, An Garda Síochána reaffirmed their position on the matter and issued another statement that repeated their account of events which concluded with “As was the case in this instance, we take concerns raised regarding an animal’s welfare very seriously. Anyone not satisfied with the service provided by An Garda Síochána is entitled to make a complaint to the independent policing ombudsman, Fiosrú.”