The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the second theft of ponies and donkeys from its headquarters in more than one year was motivated by "revenge or spite".
The DSPCA's chief inspector, Mr Maurice Byrne, said intruders who stole two donkeys and three ponies early last Friday may have been "trying to get one back on us because we take animals off people from time to time."
Mr Byrne said the DSPCA may have to move from its base at Rathfarnham because it can no longer guarantee the safety of animals in its charge.
The donkeys were recovered early yesterday in a field near Spring Bank housing estate in Saggart, four miles away from the DSPCA's headquarters. The animals had suffered cuts and bruises and are now back in Rathfarnham, said Mr Byrne.
One of the three ponies, a Shetlander called Stompy, has deformed back legs and could die if anyone tried to ride him. A second pony, a pregnant mare called Rosie, could lose her foal if she is ridden. Rosie already has a bad arch in her back because she was ridden at a very young age.
The third pony has had his rear legs badly burned. He was castrated recently and DSPCA staff fear the wound could reopen if attempts were made to ride him.
Mr Byrne said the intruders, who smashed fences and gates, were deliberately attacking the DSPCA. He said the previous theft of six ponies from the headquarters more than a year ago was by young boys who let the animals loose in Tallaght.
The ponies were all subsequently recovered but one, which had a congenital heart disease, had to be put down a month later.
Following earlier attacks, which included setting fire to hay, the DSPCA had introduced stricter security. Mr Byrne said the 15 staff members at Rathfarnham believe the DSPCA should close its 10-year-old facility there and move away.
"We are in the business of protecting animals," said Mr Byrne. "If the society's headquarters can't protect the animals in its care, we'll just close the door and look elsewhere. These animals have suffered and have the right to live out the rest of their lives in peace."
Mr Byrne also called for a stiffer sentencing policy for people convicted of cruelty to animals.
The society is appealing for help in tracking down the missing animals and those responsible for their theft. Anyone with information can contact the DSPCA on 01-4935504/02 or 088-2596467.