The search for a puppy stolen in Whitegate, West Cork has come to an end after he was found dead on Wednesday.
Dog-owner Paul Spitere had been appealing on Facebook to find his beloved 10-week-old pup that vanished last at the start of the week.
Mr Spitere shared numerous statuses appealing for help and was offering a reward of €800 if anyone could help reunite him with his pet, CorkBeo reports.
However, last night he shared the news that the puppy had been found dead and the search was over.
He said in a status: "It’s not a good one. Someone called me last night to say about dodgy people in a white van seen over last few weeks and told me they had lots of dogs in back and two escaped.
"I went to area to follow up and stumbled upon him after a few minutes. Think, and hoping, they accidentally ran over him.
"Buried him at a favourite place of ours. He’s at peace now."
Mr Spitere also thanked everyone who helped share the story over the last week.
He added: "Thank you to everyone who helped or shared and messaged. I need to grieve the loss in private now and don’t want to talk anymore on here. If anyone wants to do anything, give something to your local animal shelter. Let some good come of this."
