Woman given 3-month jail term for animal cruelty
A WOMAN received a three-month prison term for cruelty to horses, which resulted in three animals being euthanised.
Yvonne Coe, 60, of Main Street, Tinahely, Co Wicklow, was sentenced on February 21, having previously admitted charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
She also got a lifetime ban at Arklow District Court.
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which reported the case, investigated initially when horses were suspected of suffering neglect.
A spokesperson said yesterday: “In addition to the custodial sentence, Judge David Kennedy fined the defendant €5,000, and ordered her to pay a €500 contribution to ISPCA costs.
“Plus €6,441.15 in costs incurred by the Irish Horse Welfare Trust.
“The court also imposed a disqualification order banning Coe from keeping all animals for life.
“She was allowed three months to sell or rehome any animals remaining in her care. During an earlier hearing on December 13 last, ISPCA senior inspector Fiona Conlon gave evidence on a total of nine horses.
She said: “These were removed from lands and a barn off Main Street and Pound Lane, Tinahely, Co Wicklow, on three dates in July and early August 2022.
“Ms Conlon described how, last July 29, she found several horses in varying levels of severe neglect, both physically and with regards to their living conditions.
“All the horses were visibly underweight, their hooves were overgrown and their coats were matted with faecal material. One horse had two swollen legs and was struggling to walk.
“The defendant admitted under caution that veterinary attention had not been sought for this animal.”
Folllowing the case, senior inspector Conlon said after the case: “This successful prosecution is a significant step forward in ensuring the good welfare of equines in our community.
“We are committed to holding accountable those who neglect or mistreat vulnerable animals.”