Judge James McCourt called it “an appalling crime.”
James Kavanagh and Jenny Kavanagh of Raheenleigh, Myshall, Co Carlow had pleaded guilty in October 2018 to 30 charges each having initially faced a total of 252 charges.
The Carlow couple were convicted of 60 offences, including including causing or permitting animal cruelty and failing to protect the welfare of an animal.
James Kavanagh was sentenced by Justice McCourt to three years in prison and a lifetime ban on owning dogs or horses for his part in the abuse of the animals in his care.
Jenny Kavanagh was sentenced to a 12 month custodial sentence fully suspended and banned from keeping any dogs for 15 years.
Speaking at sentencing today, the judge said: “Words fail me to describe what those pictures depict. It is extraordinary to find someone of farming stock guilty of such an appalling crime best illustrated by the video footage we sat through this morning and photographs presented to the court.”
The ISPCA worked tirelessly to rescue 340 dogs and 11 horses from the premises over nine days. Animals rescued from the premises included Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Bichons, Terriers, Retrievers, Chihuahuas, Pugs, Labradors, Beagles, Pomeranians, Rottweilers, Salukis, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Lurchers and many others. Some of the puppies were only a few days old and over 20 female dogs were nursing or heavily pregnant.
ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said: “We discovered a number of dead animals scattered around the property, some of which were used to feed the dogs. It was harrowing. The living conditions these animals had to endure can only be described as squalid. Many of the animals did not have access to water or suitable food. The horror and sheer size of the rescue was extremely challenging for our Inspectors, animal carers and volunteers.”
The cost of treating the recovered animals came to roughly €60,000.
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