Drugs and a firearm were seized in Dublin yesterday by gardaí in Tallaght. The finds came after gardaí responded to a call for assistance from the DSPCA, which was investigating allegations of animals being mistreated.
A search was conducted of the outhouses of a house in Mount Seskin, Tallaght, Dublin 24, and gardaí recovered 10,000 ecstasy tablets, half a kilo of cocaine and four-and-a-half kilos of cannabis resin.
The drugs had an estimated street value of €165,000.
A gas-operated air pistol with several hundred steel ball bearings and assorted drug paraphernalia were also recovered as was a computer hard drive.
The DSPCA also seized 35 dogs including English Bull terriers, German Shepherds, an American Bull Dog and a Doberman. Five rabbits, two cats and two pigs were also discovered living in what were termed "horrific conditions".
The animals have been taken to an animal sanctuary in the Dublin Mountains The DSPCA has made an appeal for donations and for new homes for the animals.
"The animals were kept in the most appalling conditions. The outhouses were completely rat infested, there were rat carcasses on the ground and in some of the kennels, and the stench of urine and faeces was
overpowering. The shelter was inadequate, the roof was leaking, inappropriate bedding and kennels," said
Orla Aungier of the DSPCA.
"Due to the amount of rats on the premises, exposure to Weil's Disease is a real threat and each of the animals
must be kept in isolation. This, coupled with the sheer number of animals needing assistance, has pushed our resources to the limit," she added.
No arrests have been made in connection with the raid yesterday, but gardaí said investigations are continuing.
Donations to the DSPCA can be made by calling 01-4935502 or visiting the organisation's website at www.dspca.ie
