On Thursday 4th April 2024, a man appeared before Carlow District Court charged under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013 in relation to a German Shepherd dog, Luna, arising from a visit by ISPCA Senior Inspector Fiona Conlon to the man’s home in Graiguecullen, Co. Carlow on 30th March 2023. Guilty pleas were entered.
Senior Inspector Conlon told the court how she found the dog living in a crate that was not big enough for her size. She was severely underweight, and the Inspector could feel her ribs, vertebrae, and hip bones easily. Senior Inspector Conlon described the dog as “lethargic” and said she smelled of urine.
The dog was taken for immediate veterinary assessment where she was found to be emaciated, weighing just 16.8Kg, and with a body condition score of just 1/9. The vet also found Luna to be dehydrated and her lower body was soaked in urine and her coat was stained. There was an ulcerated infected lesion beside her tail. When offered food and water the dog drank and ate eagerly. Due to how lethargic and weak she was, Luna was initially admitted to the vets to receive IV fluids and antibiotics. She made a full recovery.
Convicting the defendant, Judge John O’Leary commended Senior Inspector Conlon for her work and remarked that, from the photographs, it was surprising that the dog had recovered so well. He imposed a €500 fine, disqualified the defendant from owning a dog for a period of eight years and ordered that he pay ISPCA expenses of €473.88.
Reflecting on the case Senior Inspector Conlon said “Luna was in a terrible state when I found her but thankfully, she made a wonderful recovery. In seven weeks in ISPCA care, she gained over eight kilos, half of what she weighed when initially examined. It was a call made by a member of the public that enabled us to rescue Luna and get her into a loving home that she so deserved. If anyone ever has concerns, please call the ISPCA helpline on 0818 515 515, report online or email [email protected]. We need your help to be able to ensure no animal suffers like Luna did”.
Animal Welfare Inspectors work tirelessly to remove animals from terrible situations, just like this one. A kind donation will help the ISPCA continue to rescue and care for many more neglected, abused, and cruelly treated animals, and find them new homes where they are loved and cared for. If you can, please donate online today here. Thank you.
