A court in Co. Waterford has banned a woman from owning animals for ten years in a case involving a Collie dog suffering with a severe skin condition.

At Waterford City District Court, yesterday (Monday, April 14), Aileen Ryan from 10 Patrick Square Apartments, Wellington Square, Barker Street, Waterford City failed to appear before Judge Kevin Staunton to face charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, in relation to the female Collie dog, named Shadow.

Judge Staunton elected to hear the evidence in absentia.

Alice Lacey, a senior inspector with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) told the court how she initially responded to a report of concern about the dog on September 5, 2023, at which time Shadow had a mild skin condition.

She said that, on her instruction, veterinary care was sought by the owner that evening.

However, subsequent enquiries suggested that the defendant had failed to return to the vet for follow up treatment.

Inspector Lacey was concerned about the welfare of the dog and made repeated efforts to check on Shadow, calling to the accused’s address and attempting to contact her by telephone.

Inspector Lacey told how she eventually gained access to the defendant’s apartment on the evening of April 5, 2024.

She said that the blinds in the apartment were closed, and it was extremely dark, but she could see that Shadow was now completely hairless and seemed to be suffering from a severe skin condition.

The inspector said that she could feel the heat emanating from the dog as she got closer.

Despite Shadow’s condition, her owner told Inspector Lacey she thought that the dog “looked better than before”.

Inspector Lacey said that, in addition to the defendant, there was also a third-party present during the visit.

When the inspector notified them of her intention to remove Shadow to be assessed by a vet, the situation became quite volatile with the third-party shouting profanity at her.

Nevertheless, Inspector Lacey seized the dog and took her for urgent veterinary care.

A skin scrape confirmed that Shadow had demodectic mange and she was put on a course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories and washed with a medicated shampoo to relieve her suffering.

Inspector Lacey told the court that a vet who assessed Shadow described it as the worst case of a skin condition he had ever seen and, such was the severity of her condition, the dog remained in the care of vets for six weeks.

Asked by Brian Kearney BL if she had a view on the potential imposition of a disqualification order, Inspector Lacey said that, in her view, the defendant should not be allowed to have a dog again.

Describing the evidence as “quiet shocking” Judge Staunton convicted Aileen Ryan under the Animal Health and Welfare Act in her absence, disqualified her from owning animals for ten years, and ordered that she pay costs in the sum of €970.96.

Following the case, Inspector Lacey said: “Animal welfare encompasses many different aspects. It is not just limited to providing food, water, and shelter for your animal".

"I was shocked at how Shadow’s condition had deteriorated, and she had a long road ahead of her after she was rescued.

"But she thankfully made a great recovery and found herself welcomed into the most wonderful forever home, alongside another ISPCA rescue dog," she said.

The ISPCA urges the public to continue to report any suspicions of animal cruelty, neglect or abuse to its confidential National Animal Cruelty Helpline by calling 0818 515 515, or reporting online at the ISPCA website.

The charity is also reminding pet owners not to underestimate the serious health risks posed by not treating our pets for parasites, that can cause significant discomfort, illness, and even life-threatening conditions for dogs and cats.