MISSING: Appeal for information after two dogs stolen in broad daylight in Tipperary

A dog owner in  Tipperary is appealing to the public for information after two beloved family dogs were taken in broad daylight near Cashel earlier this year, in what appears to have been a deliberate theft.

Mouse and Rupert, two much-loved dogs, disappeared on January 19 at approximately 2.25pm on the Cashel–New Inn Road, just before Racecourse Cross.

Unlike many missing dog cases where animals wander off and are never seen again, this incident involved a direct interaction with two men who allegedly took the dogs in a white van.

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According to a witness, the dogs had escaped from home after following a scent and were spotted on the road by a member of the public, who became concerned for their safety.

She stopped and brought the dogs into her car to prevent them from being harmed by traffic.

Shortly afterwards, a white van pulled in behind her on the hard shoulder. Inside were two men, one believed to be in his mid-40s and another younger male.

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The older man, who was wearing building attire, approached the member of the public and claimed he knew the dogs. He reportedly said: "My sister-in-law just called me about them," while gesturing toward a nearby area and suggesting the dogs belonged nearby.

Believing the men were the rightful owners or connected to them, the girl allowed the dogs to be placed in the back of the van.

However, it soon became clear that the dogs had been taken by strangers.

The member of the public managed to take photographs of Mouse and Rupert inside the van, but unfortunately did not capture the vehicle registration number.

Since the incident, the dogs’ owner has launched a large nationwide search, supported by an online campaign and a reward of €3,000 for information leading to their return.

Despite the widespread effort, no confirmed leads have emerged.

The owner says they remain determined to find answers.

“I’m not willing to give up. Mouse and Rupert have to be somewhere. Someone knows this van.”

The owner is now appealing directly to the public in the hope that renewed attention may bring forward someone who recognises the vehicle, the men involved, or knows what happened to the dogs.

“Someone out there knows who these men are. Someone has seen this van before. If this story reaches the right person, we might finally get the information we need.”

Anyone who may have seen the white van on the Cashel–New Inn Road that afternoon, or who recognises the men involved, is urged to come forward.

Even the smallest piece of information could help bring Mouse and Rupert home.

A €3,000 reward remains available for information that leads to their safe return.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the owner or local authorities.