Man fined €3k for neglect of horses left in appalling state

A CORK man has been banned from keeping horses for five years after one of the neglected horses in his possession had to be put down.

Patrick Walsh pleaded guilty to two counts under section 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 at Youghal District Court on Friday.

Mr Walsh, of Youghal Road, Killeagh, Co. Cork, was disqualified from keeping equines for five years and ordered to pay €3,000 to the ISPCA.

The case related to a visit made by ISPCA Inspector Alice Lacey to a location in Reanaboola, Clashmore, Co. Waterford on June 2, 2020, in response to a report about two ponies in a field.

Both ponies were immediately removed to the ISPCA Equine Rescue Centre in Mallow for an urgent veterinary assessment.

Upon examination the female pony was found by the vet to be morbidly obese and suffering with laminitis.

All four hooves were overgrown and it was evident that hoof care had been severely neglected. The pony was also suffering from sweet itch, an inflammatory condition of the skin.

The male chestnut pony was extremely lame and obese. On closer inspection, an open wound which was infested with maggots was found inside the cavity of the hoof.

On veterinary advice, he was euthanised to prevent further suffering.

Following urgent farrier care and a strict diet in ISPCA care, the female horse made a full recovery and was later rehomed.

Judge Brian O’Shea said: ‘The most aggravating factor in this case is the significant neglect of these two animals. The accused bought these animals, knew very little and simply neglected them. I am making a disqualification for five years from owning any equines, and a cost of €3,000 to be paid to the ISPCA’s Equine Rescue in Mallow’.

He adjourned the matter until June 3, 2022 indicating that, if the accused failed to pay the costs by that time, he would convict, fine €1,000 and impose a two month custodial sentence.