Over 70 dogs rescued from Cork couple who operated 'horrendous' puppy farm

A husband and wife in Cork have been ordered to pay over €20,000 in fines and costs, after over 70 dogs were rescued from a "filthy" puppy farm they operated.

William and Eleanor Sheehy, with an address at Grange More, Timoleague, county Cork appeared before Judge Monika Leech at Bandon District Court this Thursday, November 7, for sentencing.

At a hearing earlier this week, they had each pleaded guilty to six charges brought against them under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.

Giving evidence during that hearing, ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspector Caroline Faherty told the court how she visited the Sheehy’s property on two occasions in March of last year and discovered large numbers of dogs living in horrendous conditions.

She described a strong smell of ammonia, with faeces everywhere, some of which had mould on it indicating that it had been there for some time. All of the dogs’ water bowls were filthy dirty and some were empty.

50 dogs and more than 20 puppies were living in the appalling conditions. Many of the dogs were malnourished and also suffering from other health issues including conjunctivitis, alopecia, ear infections, and matted coats.

Inspector Faherty described one female Newfoundland dog whose coat was so matted that it was hard like cement. When the coat was removed the dog was found to be virtually skeletal.

Other dog breeds on the premises included Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frises, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Jack Russell Terriers, Collies and Poodles.

Insp. Faherty told how dogs were housed in an old piggery which was wet and cold, with no insulation or heating. Some areas were enclosed, but without adequate ventilation.

Plastic fish boxes were used as beds, with some of them chewed. And many of these dogs were small breeds for which the living areas were totally unsuitable. She described the premises as not ‘not fit for purpose’.

When Insp. Faherty returned to the property two days later with the local Dog Warden and a Cork County Council Veterinary Inspector, the decision was made to remove some of the dogs in the worst condition on welfare grounds.

Thankfully, the dogs and puppies made full recoveries in ISPCA care and have been rehabilitated and placed in loving, caring homes.

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Describing the suffering that dogs endured at the hands of the Sheehy’s as “intolerable and extreme”, Judge Leech imposed five-month suspended custodial sentences on both defendants, fined each of the accused a total of €6,000 and ordered that they pay almost €13,000 in ISPCA costs.

In addition, Judge Leech disqualified both parties from owning or breeding dogs for life. She ordered that any remaining dogs on their property be surrendered to the ISPCA immediately for rehoming and that the Sheehy’s must cover the rehoming costs.

Judge Leech remarked that a victim impact statement couldn’t be obtained from the dogs but that they were “defenceless and vulnerable” and had been “subjected to a life of misery”.

Insp. Faherty called the case "a stark reminder for anybody thinking about buying a puppy to consider where puppies are coming from and where their Mum’s spend their lives".

"They are often crammed together in cold dark living conditions, denied basic animal care, natural sunlight, bedding, and exercise”.

The ISPCA is reminding potential buyers to beware of the pitfalls of responding to online advertisements for puppies and other pets, especially in the lead up to Chiristmas.

People should ensure that they ask the right questions to avoid falling victim to puppy rogue breeders, who put profits before animal welfare, the organisation said.

"There is no thought for the welfare of these vulnerable dogs used for breeding, to produce money-making litters of puppies for sale, so don’t fuel the demand and become a victim," a spokesperson for the ISPCA said.