Greyhound case is ‘serious stuff’

JURISDICTION has been refused by the district court in a prosecution brought by the Department of Agriculture, Food & The Marine, against two south Louth men.

It arose out of an inspection by officials of a greyhound kennels on 11 February, 2016.

Michael Kelly, Chapel Road, Clogherhead, entered a plea of guilty to a charge of obstruction of a vet.

A guilty plea was made on behalf of Craig Kelly, of the same address, who was not present, to having two unauthorised animal remedies at his kennels, which could be administered to greyhounds.

Counsel for the department said the defendants agreed to discharge the costs of the prosecution by 25 January, 2019.

However, Judge Coughlan told the prosecution he was ‘very unhappy’ with its presentation of the case.

‘I’m not accepting jurisdiction, it’s as simple as that. This is very serious stuff that strikes at the very heart of the greyhound industry,’ the judge remarked.

He adjourned the case to 25 January.

He noted the pleas of guilty but advised defence solicitor Paddy Goodwin that he could revise those pleas.