Warning: Animal Lovers May Find Information, Hereunder, Distressing.
Three members of the same family; namely Mr. Michael Reilly, aged 27; Mr. Martin Reilly (Snr) aged 43; and Ms. Katherine Reilly aged 71, have received, in total, 13 months in prison, having pleaded guilty to eight charges, under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013.
The admitted offences, under sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, related to 17 dogs and 10 puppies, that were rescued and now under veterinary care, from properties and land at Killeens, Ballinunty, Thurles, Co Tipperary, on Wednesday May 26th and Friday, June 4th, of 2021. The breeds of dogs seized at the properties included Lurchers, Salukis, Belgian Malinois, a Greyhound, a German Shepherd, and a Chihuahua.
The 27 dogs and puppies, were discovered in varying degrees of physical neglect; having been identified by members of An Garda Síochána, together with two Senior Inspectors with the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) who visited the property.
Cashel District Court heard evidence of what was described as one of the worst cases of cruelty against animals, that inspectors and Gardai had ever seen. The dogs were found chained at the dwelling house of the accused, some in a metal cage; others housed in a cattle trailer and also in an abandoned open ended corrugated shed close by. One animal was found tied to a tree in a forested area behind the dwelling house.
Most of the dogs were found to have no clean drinking water, with their bodies in extremely poor condition. Regarding two of the of the Lurchers rescued; one had an old leg fracture, while a second female Lurcher was heavily pregnant and in a severe state of emaciation. A Belgian Malinois dog had an injured neck, caused due to the chain being embedding in its skin, while many other dogs were found to be suffering from parasitic diseases and untreated wounds. All dogs were found to be starving, thirsty, while being forced to live in their own urine and faeces.
In sentencing, Justice Mr Brian O’Shea imposed a 25-year disqualification on all three of the defendants, preventing them from keeping animals into the future. He ordered also that they pay a total of €9,190 in costs.
Mrs Katherine Reilly was sentenced to one month imprisonment on each of three charges, with the sentences to run consecutively,
Mr Michael Reilly was sentenced to two months imprisonment on each of two charges, to run consecutively.
Mr Martin Reilly (Snr), who did not enter an early guilty plea, received two-month sentences on each of three charges, with the sentences to run consecutively.
Leave a Reply