'Horrendous conditions' - 55-year-old banned from owning pets for life after 16 dogs seized

A middle-aged Cork woman has been banned from keeping animals for life after 16 dogs were rescued from "horrendous" conditions at her home. 

According to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), the woman pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013 at a sitting of Bandon District Court. 

Her dogs were forfeited to the ISPCA and a fine of €250 was imposed. 

ISPCA Inspector Caroline Faherty told the court how, from September 2022, she was investigating reports regarding several dogs and puppies kept at two separate properties, one in Belgooly and another one in Kinsale, Co. Cork, but had been unable to make contact with the occupant of either property. 

When further information linking the two addresses came to light, search warrants were obtained for both properties and executed on December 22 2022 by ISPCA inspectors assisted by dog wardens and members of An Garda Siochana. 

A total of 13 dogs and puppies were found at the Kinsale property being kept in horrendous conditions, including eight dogs crammed into one crate, only suitable to hold two adult dogs at the most. 

The dogs did not have access to food or water, and there was urine and faeces all over the floors and the crates. 

Inspector Faherty described how the property was “dark and full of rubbish”. 

“The windows of the house were blacked out, and room had a strong smell of urine with faeces all over the floor." 

A further three dogs were discovered in similar conditions at the Belgooly address. 

All 16 dogs were seized and taken into ISPCA care. 

Veterinary examinations conducted after their seizure identified multiple health issues including malnourishment, badly matted coats, overgrown nails, ear and ear infections, alopecia, urine scalding, and cherry eye. Several of the dogs required extensive dental treatments and some of the dogs had heart murmurs. 

The defendant was offered the opportunity to surrender the dogs into ISPCA care but refused, with the result that dogs were detained for 19 months pending the outcome of the court hearing. 

Speaking about the case, Inspector Faherty said: “The defendant had numerous opportunities to engage with the ISPCA, but she chose to ignore all attempts to make contact. The conditions in which these dogs were kept in was totally unacceptable, and the most basic requirements of animal care was not provided, leading to serious animal welfare issues. 

"Unfortunately, because these little dogs had to be seized, they had to remain in a kennel environment until the outcome of the court case. We are delighted that they can now go to their forever homes, where they will be well loved and cared for." 

Donations to the ISPCA to help them continue their essential work and operation of the National Animal Cruelty Helpline (0818 515 515) can be made here.