Couple who neglected dogs jailed and banned from keeping animals

Sunday World

2 days ago

Kevin Horace and Kayla Rafferty have received lifetime disqualifications from keeping animals
Two emaciated dogs found by the ISPCA, one of which died due to severe neglect. Photo: ISPCA
A couple from Navan, Co. Meath have been jailed and received lifetime disqualifications from keeping animals after being convicted of cruelty to dogs.
Kevin Horace and Kayla Rafferty with an address at 20 Oaklawns, Clogherboy, Navan, Co. Meath were charged with six offences each under sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
The charges related to two emaciated dogs, one of which died, due to its neglect.
The court heard evidence that ISPCA Inspector James McCormack called to the defendants' address on February, 26, 2024, in response to a report received.
He saw two dogs in the back garden, both of which were in poor condition and one of which was already deceased and lying by the back door. There was no food, water or shelter available, and there was a black discharge from the dead dog's rear.
Two emaciated dogs found by the ISPCA, one of which died due to severe neglect. Photo: ISPCA
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Horace and Rafferty admitted joint ownership of the dead dog, a long-haired Terrier that had been named Bruno. Rafferty claimed ownership of the other dog, a Collie x pup called Sheba.
They conceded that the dogs had not been checked since the previous day, although it was lunchtime when the Inspector called, and they were not aware that Bruno had died.
There was dog food and a bowl of water inside the house, but the dogs did not have access to them.
The two dogs were removed for veterinary assessment, and both were found to be extremely underweight with body condition scores of just one out of nine.
Their bones were prominent, and the stomach of the deceased dog was found to be empty other than for sharp pieces of plastic and dark black digestive juices.
The court was furnished with photographs taken by inspector McCormack and heard that there was clear evidence that the two canines had been neglected, in total disregard as to their health and welfare, and exposed to unnecessary suffering over a prolonged period of time.
Ms. Justice Eirinn McKiernan decided that the only appropriate sentence for the offences was a custodial sentence and sentenced both defendants to imprisonment for a term of two months on one offence with all other charges taken into consideration.
She refused requests from Rafferty's defence solicitor to suspend her sentence, even temporarily.
Reflecting on the case, inspector McCormack commented: 'It was shocking to find Bruno dead in the yard, lying against the back door. His only hope was the occupants of the house, and they never came.
'Sheba the pup was lucky that the call was made. Although very underweight, she got out in time, recovered fully, and now lives in a loving home. Sheba got a chance that her companion did not.'
The ISPCA has urged the public to continue reporting any suspicions of animal cruelty or neglect to its National Animal Cruelty Helpline by calling 0818 515 515, through email or its website.