'They were his life'- Waterford man lucky survive arson attack as beloved dogs killed

Gardaí and emergency services responded to report of a fire in the Lisduggan Big area of Waterford City, that occurred at approximately 2.50am.

Fire services extinguished the fire and made the area safe. The scene was preserved for technical examination.

A male aged in his 50s was taken to University Hospital Waterford for injuries believed to be non-life threatening at this time.

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The man lost his three Jack Russell dogs according to a report by The Journal. They spoke to local councillor John Hearne, who lives in the estate, who said:  “We are blessed nobody died. But for the poor man to lose his dogs, they were his life.”

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or noticed anything suspicious in the Larchville area of Lisduggan Big, Waterford City, between 2:00am and 3.15am on the morning of Thursday 16th April 2026, to contact them.

Image from Damien Tiernan/ Facebook

Any persons who may have video footage from the area between those times (including CCTV and dash cam) are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on (051) 305 300, the Garda confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Investigations are ongoing.