The Minister for Agriculture is being asked to bring in tougher penalties against those convicted of cruelty to animals.

It comes as an appeal is launched to find those responsible for an attack on a dog in Co Kildare earlier this week.

The Animal Right’s Activist Network’s (ARAN) John Carmody wants Simon Coveney to bring in tougher laws to prevent cruelty against animals.

“We appeal to the minister to do something right now on the back of this most recent case of cruelty to enact stronger laws that will put people off,” Mr Carmody said.

“It seems very few are afraid of the law when it comes to hurting animals,” he added.

The animal, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Tony, was found in a bad condition and having suffered extreme hardship, in the Curragh area of Co Kildare on Monday. Tony died on Wednesday.

The dog was initially reported to have been cooked alive, although these reports were never confirmed.

The animal was badly mistreated and brought to a vet with burn marks before being put down.

A reward of €3,500 remains on offer for information leading to those responsible being apprehended.

"We had a call from one of our donors and clearly they want to put their money out there in the hopes of apprehending the person or persons responsible for the heinous act.

“I suppose what we’re doing is hoping our phone will ring with the information we need so hopefully we can the information we need to apprehend the person or persons responsible for the vicious, cruel act,” he added.

The reward is being offered by a supporter of the Animal Rights Action Network

Anyone with information regarding this issue can contact ARAN, at: arancampaigns@eircom.net or via the ARAN Facebook page, or call the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515

Originally posted 19.21