A Man whose dogs were drowned by a gang who burgled his house has told how he is “utterly heartbroken” at losing his pets who were his “rocks.”
Kieran Gunner Cunningham says the callous killing of Penny and Poppy “is a deeply disturbing threshold of no return” as he appeals for people with any information to come forward in a bid to bring the thugs responsible to justice.
The incident happened at his home in the Castleview estate in Ardfinnan in Tipperary between 8pm on Saturday, February 11 to 12.30am on the Sunday.
The gang behind the raid stole cash and valuables from the home.
READ MORE: Burglars drown two dogs while raiding a house in Tipperary in 'callous' act
But the thugs also dragged his two beloved dogs, who were around 10 years old, to a barrel in the backyard and drowned them.
In a statement issued to the Irish Mirror, Kieran said the incident happened following a difficult period in his life.
He told us: “On return to my house, I discovered that not only had I been burgled, but that in the process the intruders had killed both my dogs by drowning them in a barrel of water out the back of my house.
“I am utterly heartbroken. Through pandemics and lockdowns, both my parents passing, as well as all of life’s highs and lows, these dogs were at times the only thing that got me through.
“They were more than animals, they were family who loved unconditionally, and I them in return – they were my rocks. I am sure all with family pets can relate.”
Kieran explained that people can recover from a burglary but the vile act committed by the gangs on his pets is something that has caused him huge hurt.
He added: “Whilst the burglary in which my house was totally ransacked and valuables and cash were stolen is a very tough blow and probably won’t sink in till my grief passes but the house can be cleaned up and money can be earned again.
“The killing of my dogs in the process is a deeply disturbing threshold of no return.
“I know there is nothing that will bring them back or undo the horrific hurt and harm not just to me but all the community.”
Gardai are continuing to hunt for the mob but have yet to make any arrests.
Kieran is now pleading with anyone that can help in any way with the investigation so those behind the horrendous crimes will be found and prosecuted.
He said: “Maybe with your help we can find and bring those responsible to justice so that we can prevent this awful thing from happening to anyone else.
“I’d like to ask that you share this appeal widely and ask anyone with any information, anyone who noticed anything unusual activity, or anyone with dash cam or CCTV footage from the area and surrounding roads at the time to please review this and contact Cahir Garda Station on 052 7445630 or report confidentially on the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or report at any Garda Station.
“Someone somewhere knows something, no matter how small, and I’m appealing to you and your humanity to do the right thing and come forward with information.
“As this is an active investigation, all I can say is contained within this statement. I’d like to ask people to refrain from speculating online, and in the comments section .
“Please report through official channels and respect mine, my loved ones and close-knit communities’ privacy, shock, and grief at this difficult time.”
He added: “I also want to thank everyone that has contacted me and all the support I am receiving from near and far. I do appreciate every call, text and message received."
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