By Lauren Harte and Claudia Kennedy
reporters

Dog owners in the north west are being urged to be vigilant following reports that dogs are being stolen in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim for sale on the black market in the UK.
Earlier this month, two full bred boxer dogs, Paddy and Arthur were stolen in Cliffoney, Co. Sligo. The father and son tan colour boxer dogs were last seen at 1.10pm on the main road beside their home on July
13.
The dogs were spotted by a neighbour who raised the alarm, however they then mysteriously disappeared. Paddy, who is seven years old, was
purchased in Tipperary and is believed to be worth around €700. His son, Arthur aged two was also taken. Both dogs have never been separated.
Speaking with the Donegal Post, their owner Bernard said the dogs are part of the family: “My daughter is devastated, we miss them so much. The dogs will probably be separated and sold for as little as €50. We
are appealing to the public for information and help in finding our dogs. They are both microchipped. We ask the public to be vigilant if they are asked to purchase a boxer dog. It could be one of ours.”
All dog owners are being warned to be extra vigilant in the safe guarding of their pets.
While gardaí have declined to comment on the matter, Donegal’s Dog Warden, Jackie Murphy says people need to be on the lookout:
“Dogs are going missing all the time but if a dog is stolen, it can very hard to trace especially if they are shipped abroad. It’s a case of if they are shippable then they are sellable. It’s hard on the family too as people are putting a price on a family pet.”
You can log on to Find Paddy and Arthur on Facebook for further details. Anyone with any information about Paddy and Arthur can telephone 087 683 9922. There is a reward for their safe return.