On Tuesday 13th February 2024, a publican from Coachford, Co Cork, was sentenced to four months in prison, with two months to be suspended for two years. The defendant previously pleaded guilty to the charge under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AWHA) 2013, at Skibbereen District Court, on 14th January last, and appeared before Judge James McNulty again on 7th February, at which time he declined the option of community service.
Sergeant Tom Mulcahy described to the court how Gardai were asked to attend the defendant’s premises on June 1st 2023, to assist an ISPCA Inspector. The court heard the accused was irate and aggressive towards the ISPCA officer, telling her she was on private property and demanding that she leave immediately.
Despite the Inspector identifying herself to the accused as an Authorised Officer, he refused to give his name and demanded to know who had called her. When the Inspector moved away from her work van, the man attempted to interfere with the vehicle, putting his hand in the partially open window and attempting to open a door.
When instructed to stay away from the vehicle, the accused said he was going to make the Inspector very sorry and even sorrier when he found out where she lived. When asked if he was threatening the Inspector he replied, “what do you think?”
Commenting on the case ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said: “Our Inspectors face difficult situations on a daily basis when responding to reports of cruelty inflicted on defenceless animals. While their training prepares them for potentially volatile situations, it is unacceptable that any of our Officers should face this sort of threatening attitude in the line of duty. We would like to commend the Gardai for pursuing this matter and ensuring that the accused was held accountable for his behaviour”.
The ISPCA is asking members of the public to continue to report any animal welfare concerns, by calling the ISPCA’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515, report online at: https://ispca.ie/report-cruelty/ or email [email protected].
