€3k penalty over dogs’ neglect

A MAN must pay more than €3,000 for keeping dogs – one of which had to be put down – in ‘horrendous conditions’.

The ISPCA said that Norman Valentine, of Kilbaylet Upper, Donard, Co. Wicklow, pleaded guilty in Carlow District Court to offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013, in relation to the care of an English springer spaniel and a shih tzu dog.

Giving evidence to the court last week, ISPCA inspector Fiona Conlon said she had first noticed the dogs while investigating an unrelated complaint on January 14, 2021.

She said the dogs were filthy and emaciated, the shih tzu was shivering and the springer was limping and appeared to be blind. The springer had to be put down to prevent further suffering.

Judge Geraldine Carthy fined Valentine a total of €1,100 and also ordered that he pay €1,500 in prosecution costs and €667.58 in ISPCA costs.