A DONEGAL MAN has been banned from keeping dogs for ten years after he pled guilty to a number of counts of animal cruelty yesterday.
77-year-old George Cavanagh, with an address at Carrowhugh, Greencastle, Co. Donegal pled guilty to seven counts of cruelty at Carndonagh District Court.
At that time, ISPCA Officer Kevin McGinley and Gardai inspected Mr. Cavanagh’s home place and an out-farm where they found 18 dogs living in poor conditions.
Some were tied on short tethers and others confined in sheds and a stationary jeep with inadequate ventilation.
Many were deprived access to water and suitable shelter and bedding.
As well as the living conditions of the dogs, the gardaí and inspectors discovered the decomposing and unburied carcasses of three other dogs.
The court heard how Inspector McGinley had tried to persuade Mr Cavanagh to voluntarily surrender the majority of the dogs to the care of the ISPCA, but that he refused to cooperate.
Judge Paul Kelly banned Mr. Cavanagh from keeping dogs for ten years and fined him a total of €500. He also ordered that Mr. Cavanagh pay costs of €400 to a vet that accompanied the Gardai and ISPCA on an inspection.
The vet, Stuart Johnston, requested that his fee be paid to the ISPCA.
Speaking after the ruling, ISPCA Inspector Kevin McGinley said
“This case has taken a long time to be finalized and I am pleased that the conclusion was successful. The ban will prevent a similar situation arising again for the foreseeable future”.
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