Tralee Gardaí say there is no basis for concerns about dog thefts in the county being circulated on social media.
Posts have appeared on Facebook of alleged attempts of dog theft and claims that cable ties are being placed by criminals to indicate a house where a dog is.
However, Gardaí, who monitor social media, say in the past number of weeks they have not received any reports of dogs being stolen in Kerry.
They are worried about photos of innocent people and registrations of vehicles being circulated online and are urging anyone who is concerned to contact Gardaí rather than sharing false information on social media.
Sergeant Tim O’Keeffe says unnecessary fear is being created and he is concerned that people could take the law into their own hands:
