Reward offered for return of pets:A MOTHER-OF-THREE yesterday issued an appeal to thieves who cut down an electric fence and stole her two dogs to return them.
Theresa Barrett, from Ballycaskin, Carrignavar, Co Cork, woke on the morning of September 11th to find that thieves had broken into her back garden and stolen her beloved Yorkshire terriers Jack and Misty.
On the same night, the thieves stole eight rabbits and an incubator from a house a few doors down from the Barretts. Mrs Barrett says she has since heard that the Carrignavar area is "notorious" in terms of gangs stealing animals.
Mrs Barrett said her children were very upset when they found out that the animals had been stolen, particularly as Misty was a rescue dog who may have been abused by her previous owner.
"They are like our children, those dogs. My children are upset - particularly my 17-year-old. I have heard the area is notorious for animals being stolen. But it is going on nationwide. It has made us nervous in the house. I am afraid to leave the windows open. One of the dogs is black and the other is white. We have them two to three years.
"I have put posters of the dogs everywhere. I have been to Youghal and Midleton and Cobh putting up posters and looking for them. It is very upsetting. Anyone who knows anything should call me."
The dogs have been neutered so they are of no use for breeding purposes.
Anyone with information on the dogs is asked to contact Mrs Barrett on 087-2253099.