ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey gave evidence in court when calling to the accused’s address on Wednesday 14th June 2023, in response to a report received. Inspector Lacey discovered a male Yorkshire Terrier dog in a small yard, which she could immediately see was in a disorientated state.
She told how a closer examination revealed that there was a large open cavity on the right side of the dog’s face extending from the corner of his mouth to underneath his right eye. His hair was also dirty, greasy and matted and the hair at the front of his head was covering his eyes. The temperature on the day was approximately 22C and the dog was panting heavily.
Senior Inspector Lacey immediately seized the dog and brought him for an urgent veterinary assessment where it was found that he had a 6cm mass on his face with a large opening at the centre. Numerous live maggots were seen moving around in the eye socket. As well as the damage to his right eye, it was found that the dog was blind in his left eye. He was also suffering with a chronic infection in both ears.
Due to the severity of its condition and the degree of suffering it was enduring, the dog was humanely euthanised, on veterinary advice.
The accused later claimed that somebody had entered her property and attacked the dog, and that she had sought veterinary attention for it about six months before the ISPCA’s visit. Subsequent enquiries failed to find any record of such treatment.
Acting on behalf of the accused, Mr Eamon Hayes noted that the accused had no previous convictions. He said that the dog in question was 14 years of age, and that the accused had acquired the dog in a previous relationship and had developed an attachment to the dog. He claimed that the accused had consulted with a Veterinary Surgeon about the dog’s condition but, when advised by her vet that the dog might be euthanised, she “froze” and was unable to make the decision.
In ruling, Judge Power said that he did not believe that the defendant had consulted with a vet and described the neglect as appalling. He convicted the defendant, imposed a three-month term of imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and fined her €500.00. The Judge also disqualified the woman from having a dog for life.
Commenting on the case Senior Inspector Lacey said: “The suffering caused to “Jack”, an elderly dog nearing the end of his life, continued for months but was needless and preventable. To see him in this condition was extremely upsetting, he was not even aware I was in the yard with him until I touched him. Failing to seek veterinary treatment for an animal who is suffering is unacceptable, and in this case, the defendant was convicted under the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013. I am grateful to the veterinary practice who acted promptly and allowed Jack the dignity and respect he so much deserved at the very end”.
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].
Animal Welfare Inspectors continue to work tirelessly to remove animals from terrible situations, just like this one. Please continue to support our vital rescue work by making a kind donation here https://ispca.ie/donations/ to help us rescue many more neglected, abused, and cruelly treated animals. Thank you.
