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The community of Ballymun is “traumatised” following a shocking reported incident of alleged animal cruelty last week.
Both the Gardaí and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) have launched investigations into the incident, involving a dog. The animal welfare charity said that NSPCA inspectors responded last Thursday to reports of the remains of a dog that had been severely burnt in the Dublin suburb.
The charity said that upon arrival, inspectors immediately did everything possible to identify the animal, including scanning for a microchip.
“Tragically, the remains were so badly damaged that identification was not possible,” they said. The NSPCA said that inspectors “also discovered what appeared to be a stick or pole lodged in the dog’s body.”
Gardaí said in an update on Tuesday that investigations are ongoing, adding that the alleged incident is believed to have occurred in a public place of Ballymun, Dublin 9.
“Gardaí received a report of alleged animal cruelty on Saturday 4th July 2026,” they said, adding: “The alleged incident is believed to have occurred in a public place of Ballymun, Dublin 9. Investigations are ongoing.”
Cllr Gavin Pepper, who is from the area, said that local people were “traumatised” by the incident, which the NSPCA described as “one of the most distressing cases” it has encountered of animal cruelty to a dog.
Cllr Pepper echoed calls from the animal charity in appealing for the public to assist in solving the case.
“People are just in total shock,” said the Independent councillor. “I have a Jack Russell, and as you know as a pet owner, people are mad about their pets – they are part of the family. Anybody who has a dog, in particular, understands the horror of what is being reported. It’s traumatic to hear about and it’s something you’d never think you would see in your area.”
Cllr Pepper said it was important that the Gardaí and the NSPCA are given space to investigate the incident.
“We must let them investigate and get to the bottom of this. I am encouraging anybody with any information to contact the Gardaí or the NSPCA,” he added.
“It’s horrific and we can only hope that once the facts are established, whoever is responsible for this is brought to justice.”
“This is one of the most distressing cases our Inspectors have encountered. No animal should ever suffer or be treated in this way,” the NSPCA said.
The charity has appealed to anyone who may have seen or heard anything that could assist “no matter how insignificant it may seem”, to email inspector@nspca.ie.
“Your information could make all the difference,” it stressed, adding: “All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
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