The ISPCA recently received a call from a member of the public about a deceased German shepherd dog dumped near Ballinahone, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal.
Senior Inspector, Kevin McGinley, responded and was confronted by the sight of the body of the female dog wrapped in a plastic shower curtain and dumped in a drain.
Dog dumped
Inspector McGinley said: “It was shocking and irresponsible to discover an animal discarded in this manner, clearly showing no respect for either the dog or the environment.”
“I scanned the deceased dog for a microchip and although microchipping is a legal requirement, there was no chip present, making it difficult to locate an owner.”
“Investigations are continuing, and we are appealing to the public to get in touch in confidence with any information to assist us with our inquiries.”
Pony rescued
Meanwhile, a pony with a horrific neck injury, that was rescued by the society, has made a full recovery.
A court case stemmed from an incident in March 2019 when ISPCA chief inspector, Conor Dowling, responded to a report about an injured pony in Ferrybank, Arklow.
Dowling seized the injured pony and enlisted the support of Irish Horse Welfare Trust.
Later named Kay, the pony began responding to treatment for her injury, which was extremely badly infected.
Not long after her rescue, she gave birth to a healthy foal, named Poppy by carers.
Pronsias O’Broin, Stringers Lane, Arklow, Co. Wicklow appeared before Arklow District Court accused of offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (AHWA).
He claimed to own only three ponies on the land, which were not found to be a concern. Also, he denied owning the injured pony, saying that it must have wandered onto his land.
He told the court that “he was made aware that there was an injured animal on his land some days prior to its seizure but claimed to have been unable to locate it”.
He claimed to have seen the pony in question before it was injured. Also, he admitted that it may have been on his land for “a good few weeks”. Benville put it to the accused that his account was “simply not credible”.
In ruling, Judge David Kennedy said that he had an issue with Mr O’Broin’s credibility and that his account changed over the course of his evidence.
Judge Kennedy convicted Mr O’Broin of one offence under section 11 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, with a section 12 offence taken into consideration.
He imposed a three-month custodial sentence, suspended for one year and a €100 fine. The judge ordered Mr O’Broin to pay €1,500 in costs.
Also, he made an order forfeiting the pony to the care of the ISPCA.
Legal duty to provide for animals
ISPCA Chief Inspector Dowling said: “Owners have a legal duty to provide for the animals in their care. Turning a blind eye will simply not be tolerated.”
“Thanks to the assistance of the IHWT, we were able to remove this pony immediately before her injury deteriorated any further. Thankfully, she made a full recovery.”
The ISPCA is the largest national animal welfare organisation caring for all animals in Ireland and recognised at European level.
The ISPCA operates three rescue and rehabilitation centres which were developed in order to support the ISPCA Inspectorate and member societies with the rescue, rehabilitation and responsible re-homing of cruelly treated and neglected animals.
