Local animal welfare group Donegal Pet Rescue has pleaded with the public to safeguard their dogs after a spate of thefts in recent days.
Kick-boxer Tommy McCafferty has been reunited with his dog Saoirse
Dozens of dogs of all breeds have gone missing in recent weeks.
It is feared the dogs are being sold on or may even be used for other uses such as bait for dog-fighting.
The group says it fears a gang of organised thieves are behind the thefts.
One of Donegal’s best-known sportsmen, champion kick-boxer Tommy McCafferty, had his beautiful dog taken from his garden in broad daylight.
The dog, an American Akita named Saoirse, was taken from Tommy’s garden in Burt.
However, through social media the dog was returned and left back at Tommy’s home shortly afterwards.
A spokesman for Donegal Pet Rescue said “We Encourage all pet owner to please be aware of their pets whereabouts to avoid them ending up in the wrong hands.
“We encourage anyone with a missing pet to place a photo on our facebook page were we have a dedicated album for lost and found pets, maybe someone out there could have the key to finding your pet.”