North Cork cases serve to highlight ISPCA’s vital work

THE case of a male in his 50’s prosecuted at Mallow District Court in June of 2015 and included in the Inspectorate Report, related to a multi-agency investigation involving the ISPCA and Cork County Council.

It followed the discovery of 23-dogs on a property that were found living in “squalid” conditions and in varying degrees of neglect.

‘ They were living in filthy, cramped conditions with copious amounts of faeces and urine,’ read the report.

It said some of the dogs were discovered hidden in a cattle trailer some distance away from the dwelling.

‘One of the dogs presented with 95% hair loss and its skin was thickened and crusted as a result of long term lack of care. The water that was present was filthy and contaminated. All dogs were un-socialised and, even under sedation, showed signs of aggression.’

Judge Brian Sherdian described it as ‘one of the worse cases of animal cruelty’ he had seen.

The man was convicted of cruelty to dogs under the Animal Health and Welfare Act and the case adjourned “pending further inspections and monitoring.” In another case before the same court in April of this year a Kiskeam man convicted of offences under the same act was fined €500 and ordered to pay €750 in costs.

The case against John Carroll arose from a visit by ISPCA inspector Lisa Donovan made to his property in February of 2015, during which she found a number of malnourished dogs living in “filthy conditions”.

Four husky puppies covered in faces and urine were confined to one pen with no access to food, water or clean and dry bedding.

Inspector O’Donovan also discovered a young female husky tied by a chain in a disused building. She was also covered in faces and urine and was living in a darkened area of the building with no food or water available.

The dogs were seized by Inspector O’Donovan and subsequently surrendered to the care of the ISPCA for rehabilitation and re-homing.

Inspector O’Donovan said the successful prosecution sent out “a very clear message” that animal cruelty was unacceptable.

It also showed the effectiveness of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, which allows for the immediate intervention by an authorised officer where necessary.”