Gardai are hunting thugs who burgled a house – and drowned two dogs protecting it.
The Mirror has established that the shocking incident happened in a small town in Co Tipperary on Saturday evening.
Sources say the house was targeted in the Castleview estate in Ardfinnan near the border with Waterford.
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It’s understood the gang behind the raid got away with a small amount of cash and valuables – after killing the dogs.
Gardai believe the burglars gained access to the house with a key hidden in a shed.
The dogs' owner returned home to find the dead animals in a barrel of water.
Sources say the thugs dragged the two dogs to a barrel in the back yard of the house – and the drowned them.
It's thought the burglars drowned the dogs to stop them from barking while they located the hidden key.
The burglars then ransacked the house before leaving with their haul.
Around €9,000 was stolen.
Nobody was in the house at the time of the incident – which has left the community shocked.
Gardai confirmed an investigation was underway last night.
A spokesman told us: “Gardaí are investigating a burglary which occurred at a residence in the Ardfinnan area of Tipperary on Saturday, 11th February 2023.
“No arrests have been made. Investigations ongoing.”
Locals last night said they were horrified by the killings.
“It is a mature and well settled estate, nobody can believe it,” said one local.
“They must have killed the dogs to stop them barking during the burglary,
“It was really callous.”
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