9th March 2021
At Carrick-On-Suir District Court recently, a 41 year old man from Portlaw, Co Waterford was convicted of animal cruelty offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (AHWA), having admitted to failing to safeguard the health and welfare of two dogs.
The accused received a three year disqualification from owning any dogs, was fined €1,600, and ordered to pay €1,250 in court costs as well as €520 in vet fees.
The case arose when ISPCA Inspector Alice Lacey investigated a complaint received from a concerned member of the public in November 2019. On arrival, Inspector Lacey discovered a Golden Retriever and a Springer Spaniel living in an extremely run down pen.
Inspector Lacey described how both dogs were underweight and filthy with matted coats. The floor of the pen was covered in muck and faeces and there was no dry area inside the pen for the dogs to lie down. Inspector Lacey had to forcibly dismantle some of the pen to gain access.
The dogs were seized and taken to City Vets in Waterford City for an immediate veterinary assessment which deemed them to be considerably underweight.
The Springer Spaniel, called Molly, was particularly malnourished weighting only 11 kilos. Both dogs, Molly and Max were subsequently transported to Waterford SPCA for care and rehabilitation before being rehomed.
In court, Judge Terence Finn said: “despite the accused’s current situation, being that he is unemployed and comes from a large family, the court has to hand down these fines”.
ISPCA Inspector Alice Lacey said: “Both dogs have since been successfully rehabilitated and responsibly rehomed. Molly and Max suffered unnecessarily and the ISPCA is reminding pet owners of their legal responsibility, to safeguard the welfare of all animals in their care. It was a good outcome for these dogs and huge thanks to the kind-hearted member of the public who reported their concerns, so we could prevent further suffering. This case highlights the impact that we are having on the animals who need our help the most. I would like to thank Waterford SPCA for their assistance”.
The ISPCA works in collaboration with affiliated member organisation Waterford SPCA who provide kennelling, care and rehabilitation for dogs seized by the ISPCA’s Waterford Inspector. Without this vital logistical support, the ISPCA would not be able to operate effectively in the Waterford area.
Our frontline work cannot stop during these uncertain times. If you would like to help the ISPCA continue our vital work, please if you can, make a kind donation here to help the animals that are suffering now.
The ISPCA encourages members of the public to continue reporting any animal welfare concerns online here or by contacting the National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 or by emailing [email protected].
Together we can prevent cruelty to all animals.
