At Waterford District Court, on 8th November 2021, a woman from Dungarvan, Co. Waterford pleaded guilty and was convicted of an offence under Section 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (AHWA).
The case related to a visit made to the woman’s property on 20th October 2020 by ISPCA Inspector Alice Lacey, in response to a report received about a Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog in a back garden.
Inspector Lacey discovered the young dog, no more than a year old in extremely poor condition. The dog, later named Lexi, was extremely emaciated with her ribs and hip bones protruding. She had no palpable body fat and upon closer examination, her gums were pale in colour indicating anaemia.
Lexi was surrendered by her owner and was immediately taken to a nearby veterinary practice for an urgent assessment, which confirmed that Lexi had signs of chronic starvation. During the examination, Lexi was described as “skeletal, lethargic and close to death” by a veterinary practitioner, weighing only 7.5kg, well below the average weight for her breed.
Lexi was put on a restorative nutritious diet along with supplements and she was closely monitored. Over the first couple of days, it was touch and go as Lexi was so frail. It was confirmed that there were no other underlying health issues, confirming her weight loss was solely due to malnourishment and Lexi was brought back for a veterinary re-examination two weeks later.
The court heard the woman gave full cooperation and that Inspector Lacey was invited willingly into her home.
Judge Brian O’Shea said: “This case is at the top of the lower end of the range of gravity. Living conditions were also poor, but I am bearing in mind that the second dog at the property was healthy. To me, the issue here is that she did not seek out veterinary attention for this dog.” Judge O’Shea added: “I am conscious that the accused has no prior convictions.”
The woman was ordered to pay vet fees of €210 within twelve months and was ordered to pay €1,230 in costs with nine months to pay.
ISPCA Inspector Alice Lacey said: “In a short couple of weeks after Lexi’s rescue, her weight had increased to 11.3kg purely from receiving a nutritious diet. That was an increase of over half of her original weight. Although she had still not reached sufficient weight, the change in her form was amazing. She was energetic and interactive like a young dog should be and I knew then, that she was going to be okay.”
Alice added: “To see such blatant disregard for the welfare of this young dog was appalling and heart-breaking. There is just no excuse for allowing any animal to get to such a poor state of neglect and pet owners have a moral and a legal responsibility, to protect the animals in their care.”
Lexi during rehabilitation.
The ISPCA works in collaboration with our affiliated member organisation Waterford SPCA, where Lexi continued to receive excellent care and rehabilitation before she was subsequently rehomed. Thanks to this vital logistical support, the ISPCA is able to continue to operate effectively in the Waterford area.
Lexi in her forever home.
Lexi was not microchipped, which is a legal requirement for all dogs in Ireland and puppies once 12 weeks old. It is also an offence to sell, supply or to purchase a dog that has not been microchipped.
This case was prosecuted by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and it highlights the impact of collaboration with DAFM that we are having on the animals who need us the most.
The ISPCA encourages members of the public to report any animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline online here or by calling us on 0818 515 515 or emailing [email protected].
