On Monday 8th April 2024, a man from Mountmellick, Co Laois, appeared before Judge Nicola Andrews at Portlaoise District Court in relation to animal cruelty offences, failing to comply with an animal health and welfare notice, and failing to dispose of a bovine carcass. The defendant pleaded guilty to all charges.
Evidence was given by ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspector James McCormack who described attending the defendants property on 28th July 2022, and finding a number of dogs living in unsuitable conditions in sheds and a trailer. As well as the living conditions, two female dogs were extremely underweight, despite being pregnant. They also had fleas and were scratching. One dog had open sores on its back.
When Inspector McCormack began to seize dogs, the accused became threatening, followed Mr McCormack to his vehicle and banged on the window. Garda support was requested and, while waiting, Inspector McCormack observed a jeep and trailer being parked in front of the door of a shed in an effort to block it. When Gardai arrived, another underweight dog was found in that shed with no water or light. A decomposing cow was also found behind sheds.
A total of three adult King Charles Spaniels, a female Terrier, and her four pups were removed on that date.
Inspector McCormack told the court how, having unsuccessfully trying on numerous occasions to contact the defendant, he served an Animal Health and Welfare Notice on 5th September 2022, requiring him to maintain any dogs on his premises in appropriate conditions. He returned on 4th January 2023, and found a German Shepherd being kept in contravention of the notice imposed, in filthy conditions and without bedding or water. This dog was seized but, on leaving, Inspector McCormack found that the gate to the premises was padlocked. It had been padlocked while he was on the property, and he had to cut the lock to get out of the yard.
Inspector McCormack also told of how he conducted another inspection last Friday, 5th April, and found a dead sheep in a trailer with two lambs attempting to suckle from it. He also found the carcass of a cow. He told how there was slurry everywhere. The Department of Agriculture were contacted in relation to the livestock issues and attended the property.
Michael Keane Solicitor of Flynn McMorrow appeared for the defendant and put it to Inspector McCormack that the accused was an “Old School Bachelor Farmer” that he lives on his own, having previously run the farm with his brother, who is now deceased. He has been unable to spread slurry due to the weather. It was also confirmed that he only had two dogs now.
Convicting the defendant, Judge Andrews imposed a disqualification order prohibiting him from keeping dogs or cats for a period of five years, and a 3-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months. She also fined him €2,500 and ordered that he pay costs of €3,233.16.
Reflecting on the case, ISPCA Inspector Mc Cormack commented: “This was a case of severe neglect of a number of animals over a prolonged period. Efforts to engage with the defendant on numerous occasions went unanswered making the situation more difficult. Communication is always key and there was none in this instance. Thankfully all animals rescued are now in loving caring homes, living the lives that they deserve. Suffering cannot be tolerated, and offenders will be brought before the courts”.
Please continue to report any animal welfare concerns, by calling the ISPCA’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515, report online here or email [email protected].
