The court heard evidence from ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspector Caroline Faherty who responded to a complaint from a concerned member of the public on 21st April 2023.
Inspector Faherty told the court that she discovered 13 Collies and German Shepherds 12 of which were pups, living in horrendous conditions in dark, filthy sheds, and without access to water. They had no bedding, and their coats were matted with faeces. It was clear that rats were also living in the shed, having burrowed through piles of dirt.
The Inspector told how she had to break padlocks to get into one of the sheds and said the “horrific” conditions were some of the worst she had faced and would stay with her forever.
An immediate decision was made to seize all the dogs and, as they were being removed, the full extent of the conditions became clear. An emotional Inspector Faherty told the court how the smell was so putrid and stomach turning that she repeatedly retched and had to leave the sheds for air. She had to change into rubber boots and oilskins to enter the sheds as there were faeces and sewerage everywhere.
Three German Shepherd pups could not walk properly due to being malnourished and confined. They had no muscle mass in their legs and were walking on their back knees. Inspector Faherty described some of the Collies as feral, and “extremely nervous” which made it very difficult to get near them.
Fresh drinking water was provided for a lactating German Shepherd who was feeding four pups, and she was so thirsty that the water had to be temporarily removed out of fear for the dog’s welfare. Videos of the scene were played in court.
The court also heard that, although every effort was made to rehabilitate the dogs with veterinary interventions, high-level nutrition, and physiotherapy, four of the dogs had to be euthanised based on veterinary advice. These included a young German Shepherd whose limbs were so deformed he could not bear any weight as he grew, and three of the feral Collie dogs that did not respond to rehabilitation efforts and were in constant fear and distress.
After hearing the evidence, Judge Colm Roberts commented to Inspector Faherty that, aside from the animals being traumatised, it appeared clear that the Inspector had been traumatised herself. Inspector Faherty confirmed that was the case.
Judge Roberts convicted the defendant but adjourned sentencing until April 1st pending a probation and welfare report. He warned that given the level of cruelty and neglect evident in this case, a custodial sentence was extremely probable. The defendant agreed not to keep any animals until that date.
Commenting on the case, Inspector Faherty said “This is one of the most upsetting cases of neglect I have come across in my career. The fact that some of the dogs were deformed and others feral because of a lack of food, space and attention was truly heartbreaking. We need to remember that, as animal owners, we are wholly responsible for their needs and if we don’t provide them, there will be consequences”.
The ISPCA urges the public to report 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: www.ispca.ie/report-cruelty/
