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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Kim O'Leary

Ex-RTE presenter Gareth O'Callaghan's warning to cruel trick-or-treaters who kicked his dog

Ex-RTE radio presenter Gareth O'Callaghan and his family have been left heartbroken after their beloved pet dog was kicked by a group of "teenage trick-or-treaters" on Halloween night.

The Dublin native took to Twitter about the upsetting incident, sharing an emotional video featuring his dog Finn who is recovering at home. Gareth compared himself to Liam Neeson in the film ‘Taken’ as he vowed to track down the teens responsible for hurting his beloved pet.

In the video, he said: "I know who you are. I will know who you are… and I will find you. And I don’t mean to sound like Liam Neeson but I’ll tell you one thing: you hurt the most innocent, harmless little individual in the world and I’m coming looking for you."

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Gareth added that he was "heartbroken" over the upsetting incident. Gareth's wife Paula had also shared a photo of Finn as he recovers from the frightening incident.

Taking to social media, Paula tweeted: "Our beautiful gorgeous boy who experienced animal cruelty that no animal should ever experience was kicked this evening by a teenage group of "trick or treaters." A kick that made him fall back and yelp with pain.

"My little gorgeous perfect boy. This is disgusting #Finn our boy."

Social media users were outraged to hear what had happened to the lovely dog, with many wishing him a speedy recovery.

The DSPCA tweeted: "So terribly sorry to hear that little Finn was hurt. Sending lots of positive paws his way."

Finn recovering at home (Twitter/Gareth O'Callaghan)

Another person said: "It is just terrible what someone has done to your little pet. We have three dogs and I would feel the same. Hope you find them. Put out an appeal for dash cam as well Gareth."

A third added: "So sorry to hear about little Finn & yes, it would be great to find the person who did this & report it to the Guards & keep following up on it till something is done. Finn needs a voice & you are a strong one for him."

In an update, Gareth tweeted today to thank everyone for their kind messages, and to let them know that thankfully Finn is now on the mend. He tweeted: "Thank you for your kind messages for Finn. Great news is that he is much better today."

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