Man admits ‘cruelty by neglect’ of horse
A MAN who admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a horse was ordered to pay €1,000 in costs and a €2,000 donation to the ISPCA.
Michael Connolly, Tinakilly House, Rathnew, appeared in Wicklow District Court last week. Charges were brought by the Department of Agriculture, Food and The Marine.
ISPCA chief inspector Conor Dowling told the court that he went to lands beside Tinakilly House on April 23, 2015.
He saw a chestnut gelding which was in very poor condition and suffering from rain scald and cracked hooves. It was later discovered that the animal also had worms.
The court heard that this was ‘cruelty by reason of neglect’.
Connolly told Mr Dowling that this horse had turned up on the land, likely dumped over the winter around January time.
He admitted that he did not contact the gardaí or the local county council and the horse had not received any veterinary care.
However, a subsequent microchip scan revealed that the animal was chipped and that there was a connection to the lands from where it was removed.
The court heard last Tuesday that the horse was owned by Connolly’s brother, James Connolly, who was not in the jurisdiction last week. The court heard that James Connolly is understood to be in Spain.
The court also heard that the brothers had arranged that if one of them was away, the other would look after the horse.
There were other horses on the same lands who were not in poor condition. The court heard that Connolly’s father owns the land, which is adjacent to the family home.
Defence counsel Justin McQuaid said that the horses are kept for the playing of polo.
‘My client’s father was contacted and asked to remedy the situation, not Michael,’ said Mr McQuaid.
After the ISPCA inspection, the horse was removed and placed in the care of the Irish Horse Welfare Trust, where it made a full recovery.
Photographs were produced of the animal before and after being placed in care.
‘What’s amazing about these photographs is the difference two months makes,’ said Judge David Kennedy. ‘ They look like two different horses’.
Mr McQuaid said that his client is to do his final exams at the end of this month in King’s Inns. He said that Michael Connolly was the one who had been amenable and contactable with regard to the matter.
Judge David Kennedy dismissed the matter with the benefit of the probation act, with the condition that Connolly make the payments outlined.
‘People have a legal responsibility to provide fully for the welfare of animals in their care,’ said Conor Dowling of the ISPCA after the court proceedings. ‘If it is suspected that somebody has failed in this regard, ISPCA Inspectors can and will instigate legal proceedings. I would like to thank the IHWT on this joint rescue that resulted in a wonderful outcome for this horse who has been fully rehabilitated.’
To report animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA, contact the National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515.