Laois man to pay €20,000 to ISPCA over animal cruelty or face jail
The defendant in the case fully accepted that the conditions in which the dogs were living were not appropriate.
A 35-YEAR -OLD Laois man appeared before Judge Andrew Cody at Portlaoise District Court on Friday 19 September charged under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Joe Delaney with an address at Graigue, Ballinakill pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty.
ISPCA Inspector Jimmy McCormack gave evidence of calling to the defendant’s address on 16 December 2024 and finding eight dogs living in dirty conditions and without access to fresh drinking water.
Three of the dogs had scarring on their faces and jaws, including a Patterdale Terrier which had a serious and recent injury to its jaw. The defendant claimed that the injury had been sustained while hunting foxes the previous day. He also denied owning some of the other dogs.
The injured Patterdale, later named Brock, was surrendered and taken for immediate veterinary attention. Surgery was required to stitch and repair the infected wound.
Inspector McCormack described how he called back to the defendant’s property to check if improvements had been made in the care of the other dogs and found all the kennels’ empty.
The defendant claimed that the remaining dogs had been stolen and that he had made a report to gardaí. He declined to take part in a formal interview.
Defence solicitor Phillip Meagher said that there was a group of individuals that kept dogs at the defendant’s premises because he had the sheds available. The dogs were used for fox hunting, and the accused was the one effectively in possession of the dogs on behalf of this group.
He fully accepted that the conditions in which the dogs were living were not appropriate.
Having viewed photographs provided in evidence, Judge Cody said that it was a horrendous case and indicated that the defendant should provide a significant contribution to the ISPCA or face jail.
Mr Delaney agreed to pay a €20,000 contribution as well as €2,487 costs to the ISPCA, and a further €3,000 in legal costs.
The case was adjourned to 16 January for payment to be made.
Inspector McCormack said: “These were some of the most horrific facial injuries I have ever seen inflicted on an innocent dog. Animal baiting is illegal, and those that engage in what is currently lawful hunting with dogs still have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of their dogs. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and the judge has sent out a clear message that this cannot be tolerated.
“We in the ISPCA are at the forefront of ensuring that those who fail in their responsibilities to animals in their care face the full extent of the law to prevent future occurrences of this nature.”
