Arson and attacks in Athy sparked by reports of stolen dog

GARDAÍ are investigating a number of incidents of arson and criminal damage that occurred at a residential location in Athy on last Tuesday (14 October). It is believed that a dog reportedly taken by a gang of people may have sparked the violence.

At approximately 9.45pm, gardaí responded to reports of a van on fire in the Ardew area of Athy. A number of reports were also received of criminal damage to properties at the location.

Shortly afterwards, reports were received of criminal damage to a property at a second location in the Smallford area of Athy, but fortunately no injuries were reported.

A technical and forensic examination of both scenes has been completed and investigations are ongoing.

Any person, including road users and pedestrians, who were in the vicinity of the Ardew and Smallford areas between 9pm and 11pm and who observed any unusual activity is asked to contact investigating gardaí. Any road users or pedestrians who were travelling in these areas during this time and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Athy Garda Station at (059) 863 4210, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

“Yes, I was very aware of it,” said local councillor Mark Leigh. “That level of violence is abhorrent, and it’s not something we want to see in Athy,” he said.

“I feel very sorry for the families involved, and I even believe one of the victims was an example of mistaken identity.

“I believe one group took a dog, and the other gang took revenge looking for the dog.

“Such behaviour is absolutely abhorrent. There were women and children up there who had their windows put in.

“I mean, the dog hasn’t even turned up yet, so it could be a complete case of mistaken identity, but this is not the way to solve it,” he said.

Cllr Leigh did indicate that the story of the missing dog is “all over Facebook”, and while the Kildare Nationalist has found indications of a dog missing in the town on the Athy Noticeboard, it could not establish whether this was the animal that sparked the disorder.

Separately, early suggestions that An Garda Síochána or any other state agencies were involved in activity involving the confiscation of dogs and horses on this date is inaccurate, as this was an entirely separate operation along the Blueway the week previously.