A 35-year-old Laois man appeared before Portlaoise District Court on September 19th, 2025, charged with 5 offences under the AHWA 2013.
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES MAY CAUSE UPSET
A 35-year-old man with an address at Graigue, Ballinakill, Co Laois appeared before Judge Andrew Cody at Portlaoise District Court last Friday 19th September 2025 charged with five offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Guilty pleas were accepted on two counts under section 12 of the Act.
ISPCA Inspector Jimmy McCormack gave evidence of calling to the accused’s address on 16th 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 further 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 of the kennels empty. The defendant claimed that the remaining dogs had been stolen and that he had made a report to Gardai. He declined to take part in a formal interview.
Defence Solicitor Phillip Meagher stated on behalf of his client that there was a group of individuals that kept dogs at the accused’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. The defendant 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 matter was adjourned until 16th January for payment to be made.
Inspector McCormack commented: “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”.
