'Disgraceful' Mullingar man admits causing suffering to dogs and ferrets who died in 'deplorable' conditions

A man has admitted to neglecting and causing “disgraceful” suffering to a number of dogs and ferrets, many of whom were found dead on his property.

Paul Conway of Grange Crescent, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath pleaded guilty to 15 offences contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 at Mullingar District Court last month.

Mr Conway admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a number of dogs, failure to safeguard the health and welfare of the dogs, and being negligent or reckless regarding their welfare.

He also pleaded guilty to similar offences in respect of seven ferrets and to failing to provide a dog with adequate, suitable food, and water.

Judge Deirdre Gearty sentenced Mr Conway to two months imprisonment (suspended) and restricted the number of dogs he could keep to the three that he already had at the time.

She also awarded €1,200 in prosecution costs.

The offences related to an operation conducted by ISPCA inspectors and gardaí when several dogs and ferrets were discovered living in “deplorable” conditions in a cluttered back garden.

Two puppies and three ferrets had already died and a further five dogs and seven ferrets were removed from the property.

Two of the ferrets had to be euthanised due to the severity of their condition.

Subsequent veterinary examinations found that some of the dogs were emaciated extremely weak, two had open wounds, and all had unkempt coats.

Speaking about the sentencing, ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said: “The standard of care that these animals received was disgraceful and there is no doubt that more would have succumbed, had it not been for the intervention of our Inspectors.

“While nothing can change what happened to the deceased animals, at least the person responsible for their neglect was held legally accountable in court. And thankfully there are 10 other animals now living happy lives in new homes.”