Some readers may find the content of this story disturbing.
A Wicklow man has pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013 which led to one dog being euthanized "to prevent further suffering".
Norman Valentine with an address at Kilbaylet Upper, Donard, Wicklow appeared in Carlow District Court last Thursday (5 May) in relation to the care of an English Springer Spaniel and a Shih Tzu dog.
ISPCA Inspector Fiona Conlon described finding the dogs while investigating a separate complaint in January 2021.
Both dogs were living "in horrendous conditions in a filthy pen with no dry sleeping area".
The dogs were filthy and matted, with the Shih Tzu shivering and the Springer limping and appearing to be blind.
The animals had no access to fresh drinking water, and the pen was inaccessible.
Both dogs were surrendered to the ISPCA and the pen had to be partially dismantled in order to remove the dogs.
They were taken to a veterinary surgeon for immediate assessment.
As well as being blind, the Springer Spaniel who was named “Gizmo” was found to be emaciated had a "multitude of health issues" including arthritis.
He was euthanized in order to prevent further suffering.
The Shih Tzu, “Milo”, was also found to be emaciated, as well as being matted and having soiled throughout his coat.
Readers should be warned that the following photos are of a graphic nature and may cause upset.
“The conditions in which these poor dogs were forced to live and the condition of the dogs themselves were absolutely dreadful," said Inspector Conlon.
"The Springer, Gizmo, was in a terrible state and we can only take comfort in the fact that we were able to end his suffering.
"Milo’s coat was so matted it was hard to distinguish the head from the rear.
"His underside was covered with large balls of muck and faeces and his entire body was encased in what looked and felt like dreadlocks.
"Thankfully Milo made a full recovery and has since been successfully rehomed to a wonderful loving family, which he so deserved”.
Judge Geraldine Carthy said that photos taken by ISPCA of the animals “speak a thousand words” and also said that the veterinary report did “not make pretty reading at all”.
Valentine was fined a total of €1,100 and ordered that he pay €1,500 in prosecution costs and €667.58 in ISPCA costs.
The ISPCA encourages members of the public to report any animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline in confidence on 0818 515 515, email helpline@ispca.ie or report online
via its website.
