Cork man gets 12-month ban on keeping dogs after inspector finds 'petrified' dog in pitch dark
A man in Co. Cork has been disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for 12 months after being convicted of cruelty to a dog.
The case arose when ISPCA Senior Inspector Lisa O’Donovan responded to an allegation of a highly distressed dog abandoned at a property in the county in September 2016.
Senior Inspector O'Donovan described to the court how, when she arrived at the property, there was a brown and white terrier sitting at the window in an extremely agitated and fearful state.
She said: "There was an abundance of flies at the window and a horrendous smell coming from the letter box."
She called for help from the local Garda Station and 24 hours later, after it was established that nobody was attending to the dog, they entered the property.
Senior Inspector O’Donovan told Bantry District Court: "There was no light in the dwelling, it was pitch dark and there was an abundance of faeces and urine present.
"There was no doubt that no one had entered the property in several days. The little dog was petrified. He was extremely underweight with an obnoxious smell from his coat. There was no food present for him."
In addition to the disqualification Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a fine of €350. The dog, named Hobbs by rescuers, made a full recovery after a period of both physical and mental rehabilitation.
"It was awful to see Hobbs locked into a dark filthy environment with no one tending to even his very basic needs," added Ms O’Donovan.
"He was severely traumatised and suffered greatly from separation anxiety."
The ISPCA have said Hobbs is now very happy and "much loved in a wonderful home".
They said: "It is completely unacceptable for an individual to simply walk out their door and leave a defenceless animal to care for itself for a prolonged period of time."
People can report animal welfare concerns by contacting the National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 or online at www.ispca.ie/cruelty_complaint
