Recently at Arklow District Court, a 60-year-old woman from Tinahely, Co. Wicklow was sentenced to three months imprisonment, having previously admitted charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (AHWA).
Judge David Kennedy also fined the woman €5,000, and ordered that she pay a €500 contribution to Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (ISPCA) costs, and €6,441.15 in costs incurred by the Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT).
The court also imposed a disqualification order banning the woman from keeping all animals for life.
She was allowed three months to sell or rehome any animals remaining in her care.
Cruelty to horses
During an earlier hearing on December 13, 2023, ISPCA senior inspector Fiona Conlon gave evidence on a total of nine horses that were removed from lands and a barn in Tinahely, Co. Wicklow on three dates in late July and early August 2022.
The inspector described how, on Friday July 29, 2022, she found several horses in varying levels of severe neglect, both physically and with regards to their living conditions.
All the horses were visibly underweight, their hooves were overgrown, and their coats were matted with faecal material, according to the inspector.
One horse had two swollen legs and was struggling to walk. The accused woman admitted, under caution, that veterinary attention had not been sought for this animal.
The same was the case for a horse with a semi-protruded and swollen penis, despite the fact that the injury was sustained up to three years prior.
The sheds in which the horses were housed had insufficient light and ventilation, and there were huge accumulations of dung.
Between July 29 and August 2, 2022, eight horses were surrendered by the woman and removed to the IHWT Centre for assessment and treatment.
On August 9, 2022, the ISPCA senior inspector discovered another horse that had not been disclosed during previous visits.
It was shut in another shed used by the accused, was in an emaciated state and had deformed hooves.
This horse was also surrendered and required sedatives and pain relief to enable it to travel.
The court heard that, of the nine horses removed, three were ultimately euthanised as they could not be adequately rehabilitated to allow them to live pain-free.
A further two had permanent hoof damage that meant they would no longer be able to be ridden.
Court
Convicting the woman, Judge Kennedy indicated that this was the worst case by far of animal cruelty in his 15 years on the bench and there must be a custodial sentence.
He said that the photos were extremely distressing and that there was a multitude of animals that suffered over a prolonged period of time all of which was very avoidable.
Speaking after the case, senior inspector Conlon said: “This successful prosecution is a significant step forward in ensuring the good welfare of equines in our community.
“We are committed to holding accountable those who neglect or mistreat vulnerable animals.
“This was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty I have witnessed; every shed I entered I found yet another animal in horrendous condition and living in totally unsuitable accommodations.
“Good equine welfare is not just about the ethical treatment of horses, it is the foundation of their health and performance and the bond we share with these incredible animals.”
The ISPCA is asking members of the public to continue to report any animal welfare concerns, by calling the ISPCA’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515 or email [email protected].