Pet owners in Derry have been warned to be vigilant after reports that thieves were targeting dogs during break-ins.
The warning comes from Sinn Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy who said she had become aware of a number of incidents where it appeared dogs were poisoned by would-be thieves to prevent them from barking during break-ins.
Cllr Duffy added: “Unfortunately, on a number of occasions beloved family pets have been killed by this poison leaving their owners, including young children, heartbroken.
“This is really a new low in criminality, targeting defenceless pets in order to break into people’s homes and businesses.
“This criminal activity must be condemned and I would call on anyone with information on such incidents to bring it to the PSNI.”
Cllr Duffy concluded: “I would encourage all pet owners to be vigilant and to keep an eye on their pets to make sure they do not fall victim to this crime.”
