‘LABRADOR AND TERRIER FOUND IN APPALLING CONDITIONS’
A MALLOW man convicted of offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act was banned from keeping dogs for two years at a recent sitting of the local District Court.
Declan Hogan, with an address at 22 Powers Court, Mallow, was also hit with an €800 fine after pleading guilty to two counts of animal cruelty.
The case against Mr Hogan originated from a call made to the National Animal Helpline (1890 515 515) last February, after which senior ISPCA inspector Lisa O’Donovan discovered two dogs – a two-year-old Labrador-cross-type dog and a one-year-old Terrier – living in what were described as “appalling conditions”.
Ms O’Donovan said she was shocked to discover the Labrador, which was very nervous and huddled inside a shed and the male terrier was also underweight with other physical conditions. She seized them and transported [them] to Mackessy’s Veterinary Hospital for urgent veterinary assessment
Ms O’Donovan said both dogs had since made full recoveries and had been responsibly rehomed.
She said the successful case against Mr Hogan sent out a very clear message that animal cruelty was unacceptable.
“There is no excuse for owners failing to provide basic levels of care for their pets. This case also shows the effectiveness of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, allowing immediate intervention by an authorised officer where necessary,” she said.
“Members of the public should report any animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA by contacting the national Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 or report cruelty online in confidence,” she added.