LATEST: Tipperary man imprisoned and disqualified for life from keeping dogs

Christopher O’Sullivan of Coolagarranroe, Burncourt, Cahir has been sentenced to a four-month prison sentence in respect of each of two charges under Section 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (AHWA) on which he was convicted, both terms to run concurrently.

Cashel District Court on Thursday, January 18 also imposed a lifetime ban on Mr O’Sullivan having a dog.

Mr O’Sullivan’s wife, Christina O’Sullivan of the same address, was also convicted under section 11 of the AHWA.

She was fined €400 and disqualified for 10 years from having dogs save for one dog which she already had in her possession.

The court heard evidence from ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey who described first calling to the home of the accused parties on Wednesday 10th August 2022, and finding 13 dogs - including a Belgian Malinois, a Belgian Shepherd, a Springer Spaniel, a Beagle, and a number of terriers – some of which were living in in small, rundown pens and others which were chained, some on very short chains.

Many of the dogs were of extremely poor body weight and several ailments were noted including skin conditions, lice infestation and dental disease.

The odour emanating from some of the dogs’ coats and skin was putrid. Three Kerry blue terriers were found to be in particularly bad condition and one female wire-haired terrier was found to be pregnant.

Even though it was a very warm day, some dogs were without access to drinking water. All 13 dogs were surrendered and taken into ISPCA care.

Senior Inspector Lacey further described to the court how, on a subsequent visit to the O’Sullivan home on Thursday 16th March 2023, a further 10 dogs – two Springer Spaniels, a hairy Whippet, a Cocker Spaniel, and several terriers – were found in sub-standard and dirty living conditions.

An array of ailments was again noted including mange, alopecia, conjunctivitis of the eyes, dental disease and matted, dirty coats.

One dog had a horrific, untreated lower jaw injury and another was of extremely poor body weight. All these dogs were also removed.

Judge Brian O’Shea commented that the case was "entirely inhumane" and "didn’t happen overnight but developed over time".

Noting that there was not only one inspection by the ISPCA to the property, but two inspections, he said that the situation was "allowed to deteriorate – with nothing done about it".

On passing sentence, Judge O’Shea stated that the case was "truly shocking" and warranted "an immediate custodial sentence".  

He felt that Mr O'Sullivan was the "main player" in this "enterprise" and sentenced him to four months imprisonment.

Reflecting on the case, Senior Inspector Lacey said: "An aggravating factor with this case is that it entailed two visits to the same property, with animals being removed on both occasions for various welfare issues in both 2022 and 2023.

"It goes without saying that a lot of time, effort, commitment, and care went into getting these dogs rehabilitated and back to full health.

"I can't stress enough the legal responsibility a person places on themselves when they choose to have an animal in their care.

"And it goes without saying, we should always remember a responsibility to be compassionate and kind to animals who solely look to us to be their caregivers and guardians. We should not let them down."