Woman fined after presenting horse in 'very poor condition' to Waterford yard

A woman who presented a horse which was in "extremely poor" condition to a yard in County Waterford has been fined €4,000 for animal cruelty offences. 

Fiona Hickey with an address at Carrigoreilly, Caherconlish, County Limerick was prosecuted under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013 in relation to a chestnut gelding horse, now named 'Mac,'

While she failed to appear before Judge Brian O’Shea at Clonmel District Court last Week, the case proceeded in her absence.

During the case, Alice Lacey, a senior inspector with the ISPCA, said the horse was dropped to a yard in County Waterford by Ms Hickey in January 2024, in order to be 'broken'.

She told the court the Department of Agriculture and the ISPCA were alerted as the operator of the yard had concerns regarding the animal’s condition.

Inspector Lacey described viewing the horse, which she said was in extremely poor body condition.

She said she could see that his spine, ribs, and pin bones were easily visible; he had extensive rain scald on his back, and his hooves were overgrown. She seized the horse pending further enquiries.

According to the ISPCA, a veterinary examination confirmed Inspector Lacey’s concerns with a vet giving the opinion that Mac’s physical condition was “extremely poor with obvious bony prominence of the ribs and pelvis.”

The vet further said that he had “endured a level of starvation," had “suffered unnecessarily” and had been “subjected to cruelty.”

READ MORE: Funding boost announced for Traveller health initiative in Waterford city

Ms Lacey told the court that she made contact with the defendant by telephone and described subsequent interactions with Ms Hickey as “very difficult.” She said that the accused made admissions regarding ownership of the horse in question, described the animal as “dangerous” and said that, by seizing Mac, Inspector Lacey was “doing an injustice to the horse.”

An email from the defendant was read in court in which she denied owning the horse.

However, Judge O’Shea convicted Ms Hickey of all four counts and he fined her a total of €4,000. Ms Hickey was also ordered to pay the ISPCA's costs of €4,385.60.

The judge also ordered forfeiture of the seized horse to the ISPCA. 

Commenting afterwards, Ms Lacey said: "Mac was subjected to a level of neglect which no animal should ever have to face." This case demonstrates the consequences of failing to provide adequate care and treatment for the animals in our care and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.”

The ISPCA urges the public to report any suspicions of animal cruelty, neglect or abuse to its confidential National Animal Cruelty Helpline by calling 0818 515 515, reporting online here or by emailing helpline@ispca.ie. 

Animal Welfare Inspectors work tirelessly in challenging situations rescuing vulnerable animals that are suffering, just like Mac - you can support the organisation by making a donation here.