A Tipperary woman appeared before Thurles District Court on Tuesday 17th December 2024, where she pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013.
She was fined €150 on each count and ordered to pay €3,365 in costs to the ISPCA. Additionally, she received a lifetime ban on owning or keeping animals.
The court heard evidence from ISPCA Senior Inspector Emma Carroll who responded to a complaint from a concerned member of the public on 19th October 2023. On visiting the defendant’s property, Ms Carroll discovered two small dogs in appalling conditions.
She described finding the dogs in a small, filthy wooden kennel surrounded by a garden strewn with rubbish. The dogs had severe hair loss, red and inflamed skin, and were heavily infested with fleas. One of the dogs, a Yorkshire terrier-type named Teddy, was extremely underweight with matted hair and overgrown nails. The other, a long-haired Chihuahua-type dog named Rocky, was also extremely underweight, had a swollen red ulcerated eye and was visibly distressed due to his skin condition.
Both dogs were immediately seized under the Animal Health and Welfare Act and brought to a veterinary clinic for urgent care. The defendant subsequently admitted that she was aware of the dogs’ poor condition, but had failed to provide adequate treatment, claiming to have purchased only basic over-the-counter remedies.
Photographs were shown to the court of Teddy and Rocky’s condition at the time of their rescue and after their rehabilitation. In delivering her judgment, Judge Keane commented on how well the dogs looked in their recovery pictures and said that “no reason could justify allowing dogs to suffer in the way these two dogs did.”
ISPCA Senior Inspector Emma Carroll commented: “The situation these dogs were in had clearly deteriorated over time, with little done to alleviate their suffering. The lack of veterinary treatment, suitable shelter, and clean water was evident, and the putrid conditions in which they were found were simply unacceptable”, adding “This case demonstrates the devastating effects of neglect and the importance of holding those responsible accountable. We are grateful to Judge Keane for imposing a lifetime ban”.
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. Together, we can continue to protect Ireland’s most vulnerable animals and bring those who harm them to justice.
Animal Welfare Inspectors work tirelessly in challenging situations rescuing vulnerable animals that are suffering just like Teddy and Rocky. Please be a Christmas miracle for an animal in need by making a life-saving donation today to support our vital rescue and rehabilitation work. Visit: https://ispca.ie/donations/
Thank you.
