Among the convictions were a North Cork couple who were fined and banned from owning dogs for 10 years
Cian and Kelly Woods of Tooreen North had admitted ten offences each under the Animal Health and Welfare Act in connection with two West Highland Terriers, who were removed by the ISPCA in September 2022.
The ISPCA Inspectorate says it has never been busier than since lockdown with record numbers of animals seized and case files submitted last year
“The job of an ISPCA Inspector is a difficult one, witnessing harrowing scenes of animal cruelty and dealing with sometimes difficult individuals” said ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling, “but these outcomes clearly demonstrate that we are having a positive impact, and we hope that they will act as a deterrent to others who may be inclined to neglect or deliberately harm an animal”. He added: “Most of these cases were prosecuted by the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine and all were made possible by the fact that our Animal Welfare Inspectors are appointed as Authorised Officers with the consent of the Minister. We thank him for his continued trust and support”.
