‘Filthy ball of wool' – Owner of dog left without food or water is spared jail
A dog owner whose pet bichon frise was left like a filth-ridden "ball of wool", drinking drain water and sleeping among used medical needles has been spared jail.
Thomas Joyce of Cloonmore Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24, was summonsed on charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act for the neglect of his dog named Partner.
However, he failed to appear at his hearing in Dublin District Court, was convicted in absentia, fined €500 and prohibited from owning an animal for five years by Judge Anthony Halpin yesterday/today.
A vet gave evidence stating, "It was difficult to differentiate its head from its tail.'
Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) inspector Shane Lawlor told Judge Halpin that Partner lived in "deplorable" conditions and was heavily matted when Joyce was questioned on February 22 last year.
The animal welfare inspector said he received a call that the dog was living in poor conditions and was in a poor physical state.
He spoke to Joyce, who showed him the male dog whose coat was matted so heavily it was hurting. "It was very disorientating; he could not see properly at all, was walking in circles, walking into the wall and was quite aggressive to handle."
The dog also had an open wound on its back side, and "he had no resting area at all."
Photo evidence was handed into court. They revealed Partner was left living in a shed full of rubbish and dozens of used medical needles by diabetic Joyce.
His only drink was dirty drain water, and there was no food either; his skin was inflamed.
Partner, who was not microchipped, was seized and has since been treated and re-homed.
Photo: DSPCA
The court heard Joyce agreed the conditions were unacceptable. Asked by the inspector why he did not bring the dog for care, he said he was embarrassed and owned up that he could not give the necessary care to his pet.
DSPCA veterinary director Elise O'Byrne White confirmed the poor condition of the animal's faecal and urine-stained coat.
The dog's back and belly skin were inflamed, and it had external parasites. She believed Partner was in a state of discomfort due to the severe matting.
"It was difficult to differentiate its head from its tail'
Commenting on the photo evidence, Judge Halpin described the dog as a poor animal and "like a big ball of wool, you can't see a head or legs or anything".
The offences could have resulted in a €5,000 fine and six months imprisonment.
Finalising the case, he noted that the man told the inspector he was ashamed and let his dog be taken.
Setting the fine at €500, to be paid within six months, he explained he had considered the conditions the accused was living in and inferred he was not of huge means.
Photo: DSPCA
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