Investigation launched after two Maltese dogs found abandoned at gates of Longford Pound

The public are being asked to assist in identifying the owner of the dogs, who were abandoned at the gates of Longford Dog Pound between 5pm on Friday, May 8 and 10am on Saturday, May 9

Published 14th May 2026, 13:37 BST Left: The pups who were found abandoned outside Longford Dog Pound The public are being asked to assist in identifying the owner of the dogs, who were abandoned at the gates of Longford Dog Pound between 5pm on Friday, May 8 and 10am on Saturday, May 9 Sign up to our Longford Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Longford Live within your account.

Two Maltese dogs, believed to be a mother and her pup, were left abandoned in a cage without food or water outside the gates of Longford Dog Pound in an incident now being treated seriously by Longford County Council.

The dogs were abandoned at the gates of the pound between 5pm on Friday, May 8 and 10am on Saturday, May 9, prompting renewed warnings over the severe penalties facing those convicted of animal abandonment.

Read: Five abandoned puppies found wandering busy Longford road now "safe and well" Pic: Longford County Council

Posting on their social media, the council said “This matter is being treated seriously. Leaving animals exposed without basic necessities places them at serious risk of dehydration, starvation, distress and injury.”

Once the dogs were discovered, they were immediately taken into the care of Longford County Council’s Dog Control Service where they are now said to be “safe and doing well.”

Read: Congratulations: Longford man celebrates with family after passing out as a Garda

The council is currently working with an animal welfare organisation with a view to having them rehomed. In their online post, the council pointed out that abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, and stated that those convicted could face severe penalties, including fines of up to €5,000 on summary conviction, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

More serious convictions on indictment can carry fines of up to €250,000 and prison sentences of up to five years.

The council also called on the public to assist in identifying the owner of the dogs.

They wrote, “Anyone who may recognise these dogs, or who has information relating to this incident, is asked to contact Longford County Council’s Environment Section on 043 334 34 62 or [email protected]

Read: Longford woman appears in local court accused of neglect of rabbit

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