The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) is seeking the return of two donkeys and three ponies stolen from its Rathfarnham shelter.
Ms Valerie MacMillan of the society said the animals, aged between 10 months and 10 years, had no commercial value due to their injuries. The eldest, a Shetland pony with deformed legs, "would be killed instantly if anyone rides him", she said.
The animals were taken from the shelter at Stocking Lane some time between 12.30 a.m. on Thursday and 8 a.m. yesterday. Anyone with information can contact the DSPCA in confidence at (088) 2596467.