The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has said it welcomes a "significant sentence" of imprisonment handed down today (Monday, November 9) on an animal welfare conviction.

The sentence, arising from a conviction for animal welfare related offences, was handed down at a sitting of Limerick Circuit Court by Judge Fiona O’Sullivan.

In advance of today’s hearing, Seamus Looby of Kilmallock, Co. Limerick had entered a guilty plea to 173 charges relating to breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the European Union (Animal By-Products) Regulations 2014.

At today’s sentencing hearing, Judge O’Sullivan convicted Looby of 67 counts of failure to safeguard animal welfare; 68 counts of animal cruelty; 27 counts of failure to comply with a legal notice; and 11 counts of failure to comply with the EU regulations.

Judge O’Sullivan sentenced Looby to a term of imprisonment of three years and four months for the offences related to the animal welfare legislation, and for eight months on the offences related to the EU regulations.

All sentences are to be served concurrently, with the last 12 months suspended for a two-year period.

Additionally, Judge O’Sullivan imposed a lifetime disqualification order, which disqualifies Looby from owning, having an interest in, or working with animals.

In August 2022, the department opened an investigation following a complaint to its animal welfare helpline. In 2024, following the conclusion of the investigation, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed trial on indictment.

The department said it welcomed the outcome, "which highlights the significant penalties applicable in the Circuit Court for animal welfare related convictions of this gravity relating to cruelty, neglect and causing unnecessary suffering to animals".

The department said in a statement that it is "committed to ensuring that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner".

The department noted that it operates a confidential helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.