Stolen spaniel springs 500km back to Cork family
The mystery was solved by an eagle-eyed stranger on Facebook!
A springer spaniel, who was seized by burglars from County Cork in June, has been safely reunited with her family half a year later.
Ruby was taken from her kennel in June, had her chip removed by her captors, and was put up for sale online.
A lady recognised her from Gardai search posts, and with the help of Somerset Police, Ruby made the 500km journey home just in time for Christmas.
Ruby's owners, Bernard and Liz Ahern said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have Ruby back home. We are so grateful to the lady who spotted Ruby for sale, the Somerset Police, and our Gardaí here in Midleton."
Superintendent of the Midleton District, Adrian Gamble said: "We are delighted to have been a part of Ruby's safe return to her loving family and appeal to all pet owners to take all extra security precautions and ensure their pets are microchipped.
"I especially wish to thank everyone for sharing the social media appeal to help find Ruby, and the lady in the UK who spotted Ruby for sale- these people are the real heroes of the investigation. "
The investigation into Ruby's theft continues.