**WARNING** GRAPHIC IMAGES AT END MAY CAUSE UPSET
On Tuesday 10th December 2024, at Athy District Court, a woman with an address at Ballitore, Co Kildare was disqualified for life from keeping all animals having previously admitting offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013.
Judge Desmond Zaidan asked to rehear evidence formerly given at an earlier court hearing in July. ISPCA Senior Inspector Fiona Conlon told how she called to the defendant’s address on 21st June 2022 and found a Labrador cross type dog in a collapsed state. She said she was “looking at a dying dog”.
Describing the dog’s condition as “horrendous”, Inspector Conlon said it was emaciated, paraplegic, and had an infected ulcer on its hip and an inflamed scrotum. The dog could not stand unaided or get to water or shelter. She said the dog’s coat was “encrusted with faeces” and “infested with maggots”.
The dog was surrendered and taken immediately for veterinary attention. Inspector Conlon said that the vet “did the kindest thing” and euthanised the dog. When asked by Judge Zaidan as to how long the dog’s suffering may have endured, Inspector Conlon referred to a report from the vet which said that the conditions were “long-standing” and the suffering “prolonged”.
Inspector Conlon also told how she called to the defendant’s home after the July court date and found that there was a new dog on the premises. She advised that the dog had been surrendered and removed at that time.
In mitigation, the Judge was told that the accused, who is in her 60s, has severe health issues “physically, emotionally, psychologically, and mentally”.
Judge Zaidan imposed the lifetime disqualification which he said would apply not only to the individual, but also to any premises or address where she is living. He also imposed fines totalling €2,000 and ordered that the accused pay €331.75 in ISPCA costs.
Reflecting on the case Senior Inspector Conlon said: “This case represents one of the most severe instances of neglect I have ever encountered. ‘Butch’ an elderly Labrador, who deserved care and compassion in his final years, was left to endure unimaginable suffering for a prolonged period lying in a rubbish tip of a garden. The lifetime disqualification imposed by the court sends a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated. No animal should ever have to suffer like this”.
ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspectors to work tirelessly to remove vulnerable animals that are suffering just like Butch. Please be a Christmas miracle for an animal in need by making a life-saving donation today to support our rescue work. Visit: https://ispca.ie/donations/ today.
Please continue to report any animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515, report online at: https://ispca.ie/report-cruelty/ or email [email protected].
