Woman given 15-year ban on keeping animals
ISPCA HOPES ARKLOW CASE WILL ‘SEND MESSAGE’
THE ISPCA has reacted to a troubling case of animal neglect after a local dog owner was banned from keeping animals for 15 years at Arklow District Court last week.
Patricia Tyrrell of 8 Ashwood, Arklow, was charged with three offences under sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 following an inspection at her property on September 27, 2016. The charges included failure to provide her German Shepherd dog with adequate food and water and failure to take the necessary steps to ensure the health and welfare of the animal.
In addition to the disqualification from keeping animals, a fine of €1,000 was imposed and the defendant was also ordered to pay ISPCA expenses of €881.20.
ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling was the officer who inspected the home of the defendant and found the animal in a poor state of health.
He said that it was underweight with its bones protruding.
The dog was also suffering from a severe skin condition over much of its body and its ears were infected and discharging.
Mr Dowling confirmed that the dog was removed to a veterinary surgeon and treated for a number of days, but that later x-rays revealed chronic hip problems and the dog was euthanised based on veterinary advice.
He estimated that the skin condition had been developing for more than two years.
Speaking following the case, Mr Dowling said that he hopes the court’s ruling will send a message to others.
‘While today’s outcome cannot undo his suffering, it will hopefully send out a message as to the potential consequences if pet owners fail to adequately deal with any health issues that may affect their animals,’ he said.
Mr Dowling urged members of the public to report animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA through the National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 or online at www. ispca.ie/cruelty_complaint