Tipperary Man sentenced to four months imprisonment and banned from owning or keeping dogs

A 44-year-old man, with an address at Heywood Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, appeared in Clonmel District Court, on Tuesday 25th July 2023.

Tipperary Man sentenced to four months imprisonment and banned from owning or keeping dogs for 10 years.

A 44-year-old man, with an address at Heywood Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, appeared in Clonmel District Court, on Tuesday 25th July 2023.

The defendant admitted offences under Sections 11(1) and 12(1) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (AHWA). Judge Brian O’Shea sentenced the accused to two months imprisonment on each of two counts, with both sentences to run consecutively. He also imposed a 10-year disqualification from keeping dogs.

The case was taken by An Garda Síochána following a joint-agency search operation involving personnel from Revenue Customs Service, the ISPCA and the Irish Defence Forces which took place on 7th December 2022. During the operation, ISPCA Senior Animal Welfare Inspectors Alice Lacey and Emma Carroll seized a total of 17 dogs, 11 of which were not claimed.

The dogs to which charges related were a tan male Lurcher with several open wounds and cuts on various parts of his body, a female fawn Whippet in poor body condition which was in heat and being chased by several male dogs, and four Terrier pups, aged no more than 10 weeks, which were confined in a dark stable without access to water.

ISPCA NEWS
16th August 2023
Tipperary Man sentenced to four months imprisonment and banned from owning or keeping dogs for 10-years.
A 44-year-old man, William O’Reilly, with an address at Heywood Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, appeared in Clonmel District Court, on Tuesday 25th July 2023.
The defendant admitted offences under Sections 11(1) and 12(1) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (AHWA). Judge Brian O’Shea sentenced the accused to two months imprisonment on each of two counts, with both sentences to run consecutively. He also imposed a 10-year disqualification from keeping dogs.
The case was taken by An Garda Síochána following a joint-agency search operation involving personnel from Revenue Customs Service, the ISPCA and the Irish Defence Forces which took place on 7th December 2022. During the operation ISPCA Senior Animal Welfare Inspectors Alice Lacey and Emma Carroll seized a total of 17 dogs, 11 of which were not claimed.
The dogs to which charges related were a tan male Lurcher with several open wounds and cuts on various parts of his body, a female fawn Whippet in poor body condition which was in heat and being chased by several male dogs, and four Terrier pups, aged no more than 10 weeks, which were confined in a dark stable without access to water.
The court heard evidence from Garda Steven Robinson of Clonmel station who described the condition in which the dogs were found. Senior Inspector Lacey also took the stand to outline the findings of a veterinary examination of the injured male Lurcher.
She told the court that the examining vet was of the view that the injuries were most likely caused by another animal, that they were infected, and that was a large amount of dirt and muck in and around the wounds which would have been indicative of the dog lying on a hard, mucky surface after the trauma was received.
Judge O’Shea did not accept the defendant’s claims that he was going to bring the injured Lurcher dog to the vet

The court heard evidence from a member of An Garda Síochána, who described the condition in which the dogs were found.

Senior Inspector Lacey also took the stand to outline the findings of a veterinary examination of the injured male Lurcher. She told the court that the examining vet was of the view that the injuries were most likely caused by another animal, that they were infected, and that was a large amount of dirt and muck in and around the wounds which would have been indicative of the dog lying on a hard, mucky surface after the trauma was received.

Judge O’Shea did not accept the defendant’s claims that he was going to bring the injured Lurcher dog to the vet that day and stated: “the condition of the dogs was a disgrace”.

All the animals were initially transported to a veterinary practice for immediate assessment and treatment before being brought into ISPCA care. Once rehabilitated, all dogs and puppies were responsibly rehomed, where they are now loved and cared for.

Commenting after the case, Senior Inspector Alice Lacey said: “It was sad to see the dogs as they were originally found. The injured Lurcher was also in poor body condition, he was unable to walk and cried in pain as he was carried to an ISPCA vehicle. The Whippet’s ribs and pin bones were evident, and she was extremely anxious, screeching in distress to get away from the male dogs that were chasing her.

She added: ”This is a reminder to anyone who neglects animals, that they will be brought before the courts. If you take on the responsibility to have animals, then you have a duty to look after them.  It’s that simple. Both myself and my colleague would like to thank An Garda Síochána for the immense work put into this case alongside the ISPCA”.

The ISPCA cannot turn our back on animals that need to be removed from terrible situations like this one and we need support now more than ever before. A kind donation will help the ISPCA continue to rescue and care for neglected animals and find them loving homes.  If you can, please donate online at https://stg.ispca.ie/donations/ 

Get Involved
Volunteer at an ISPCA Centre and Make a difference in an Animal's Life!

Are you passionate about animal welfare and want to make a difference in an animal’s life? If so, volunteering at an ISPCA centre may be the perfect opportunity for you!