Tipperary woman guilty of animal cruelty after pup found living in 'shocking' conditions

She was fined a total of €400, ordered to pay €750 in court costs and €196.22 in ISPCA costs under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA), 2013 at Nenagh District Court in Tipperary on December 9th.

The woman did not appear in court and was not represented.

The case related to a female dog, Penny, who was removed from her property on 14th November 2019.

An ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspector first attended the property on November 13th following a report of the potential abandonment of a dog.

She discovered a small white dog who was very matted and dishevelled in the back garden which was filled with rubbish, faeces, as well as urine-soaked bedding.

The dog was seized and immediately brought to a veterinary examination, where she was administered antibiotics.

After the dog was seized, the defendant made contact with the ISPCA and claimed that she had been sick and unable to care for the pup.

She claimed that her neighbours were supposed to be looking after the animal, but no formal arrangement was made.

The defendant then surrendered Penny to the care of the ISPCA.

ISPCA Inspector Emma Carroll said: “I was extremely shocked and saddened to see the living conditions Penny was subjected to. Abandoned, frightened and forgotten about.

“Thankfully a kind-hearted animal lover alerted us to her plight allowing us to save her from further neglect and suffering. Penny has since been responsibly rehomed to a loving family where she is now living her best lapdog life and is loved and treasured.”