At a previous contested hearing on 20th September 2024, during which the defendant represented himself, the court heard evidence from ISPCA Inspector Caroline Faherty as well as a private veterinary practitioner.
Inspector Faherty told the court that she visited the accused’s property on 13th April 2023 in response to a report of concern regarding horses on the surrounding lands. While there, she heard a dog crying out in pain and followed the noise. In the defendant’s front garden, she found a young black Labrador type dog which was limping badly on its front right leg. She said that it was obvious that the dog was in a very distressed state, and she could see that the leg appeared to be injured and was very swollen.
The Inspector made the decision to seize the dog, later named Dubh, and took it for pain relief and veterinary assessment. X-rays confirmed that the dog’s humerus bone was fractured into several fragments and the injury had been present for at least several days. The only course of treatment was to amputate Dubh’s leg.
On 11th May 2023, Inspector Faherty returned to the premises accompanied by Gardai. She said that the defendant confirmed he was the owner of the injured dog and that, when she told him the extent of the dog’s injuries, he replied ‘sure put him to sleep’. The defendant subsequently surrendered the dog to the ISPCA.
The court heard that, during a later visit to the defendant’s property by Inspector Faherty and a Garda in October 2023, the defendant was obstructive and abusive. Speaking in his own defence, he argued that Inspector Faherty should not have entered his property and claimed to be an innocent man. Judge Roberts did not agree and convicted the defendant.
On sentencing last Friday, the Judge said that he had given the accused the benefit of reflection and change by requesting a probation and welfare report after the initial hearing, but that he had failed to “find any remorse”.
Inspector Faherty commented: “If an animal is injured, however the cause, it is the responsibility of its owner to ensure it gets the necessary vet treatment and is not allowed to suffer. It is important that this man’s obstructive behaviour was included in this prosecution. This is a difficult job in many ways and people need to be aware that, if you obstruct an authorised officer from doing their job, there can be consequences”.
The ISPCA sometimes gets asked why we are not ‘naming and shaming’ animal cruelty offenders on our website and social media platforms. It’s not surprising that our dedicated supporters are just as passionate about animals as we are, and to think of people intentionally or unintentionally hurting or neglecting an innocent animal triggers emotions of shock, disbelief, anger, and sadness. You can find our policy here: https://ispca.ie/faq/
If you can, please support the ISPCA by making a life-saving donation today to help rescue more animals from appalling situations just like this one: https://ispca.ie/donations/
The ISPCA urges the public to continue reporting any suspicions of animal cruelty or neglect to its National Animal Cruelty Helpline by calling 0818 515 515, email [email protected] or report online here: https://ispca.ie/report-cruelty/
