Latest news with #Collie
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Sunday World
Couple who neglected dogs jailed and banned from keeping animals
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 News in 90 Seconds - July 26th 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.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Texas A&M mascot Reveille through the years
Mascots are a huge part of college sports. At Texas A&M, there is a gorgeous mascot named Reveille, a Collie that has gotten deserved recognition as one of the best in the game. The current Reveille is Reveille X and was just in the news because she had to undergo a procedure to remove an eye due to complications of glaucoma. "I'm grateful to report that Miss Rev has come through the surgery successfully, has been discharged and is resting comfortably," Gen. Mark Welsh, president of Texas A&M said in a statement. "Our priority is her health and well-being, and we are blessed to have access to the remarkably talented and caring Texas A&M veterinary team who will continue to monitor Miss Rev on her road to recovery. She will take a brief hiatus from engagements as she fully recovers. According to her veterinary team, we can expect Miss Rev to be back to enjoying all her favorite activities — cruising on Rev Force One, attending classes, cheering on the Aggies and keeping our campus squirrels in line — this fall." Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Wicklow woman (22) banned from keeping animals for 30 years
Sarah Cullen (22) with an address at Asgard Close, Arklow, Co Wicklow, entered guilty pleas at Arklow District Court yesterday to a total of four offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including one of obstructing an authorised officer. Judge David Kennedy imposed a 30-year disqualification from keeping all animals, a nominal €500 fine, and ordered that Ms Cullen pay €2,620.35 in ISPCA costs. The court heard evidence from ISPCA chief inspector Conor Dowling yesterday, who described how he called at the defendant's home on April 9, 2024, which was in response to a report received from a concerned member of the public. Mr Dowling spoke with Ms Cullen, who brought two dogs to the front door: a back and white Collie named Sky and a six-month-old Golden Retriever pup named Romeo. Inspector Dowling said he could immediately see that both dogs were in poor condition and told how he picked up the Collie and was alarmed at how light she was. He said he could feel every bone in her body and described her as "a bag of bones". The inspector made the decision that he was going to bring both dogs for veterinary assessment and would seize them if necessary. While he loaded the Collie into his vehicle, the accused brought the Retriever pup into the house and would not permit the inspector access to it. The court heard that Mr Dowling advised the defendant that he would seek a search warrant to gain access to the dog if necessary. He said she seemed more concerned about who had made the report and said that she wanted to make a complaint about the officer. Mr Dowling told how he gave the accused a business card and advised how she could go about making a complaint, adding that, as he left the property, Ms Cullen said: 'I'll have your job you f***ing c***'. ADVERTISEMENT Collie Sky was taken to a local vet, where she was found to weigh just 7.5kg, but veterinary records showed that she had been presented for vaccination two years prior, at which time she was almost double that weight, at 14.8kg. The vet assigned her a body condition score of one out of five and described her as 'skin and bone'. The court heard how Inspector Dowling obtained a search warrant the following morning, on April 10, and returned to Asgard Close accompanied by gardaí. Contact was made with the defendant, and it was established that she and the Retriever pup Romeo were at her sister's home. Therefore, the officials went to that address and the second dog was seized. Inspector Dowling said that the pup's belly appeared swollen, and he formed the opinion that he had been fed a lot since the previous day. He said the pup vomited during the journey to the vets, producing a large volume of barely digested dog food. The court heard that during the veterinary examination, Romeo was found to weigh 13.5kg, while the vet records showed that he had lost 2.9kg in the previous 11 weeks despite being a growing pup. The vet noted muscle wastage on the back legs of the dog, and said that the dog should weigh over 20kg, describing him as 'skin and bone'. Mr Dowling told of how he later conducted an interview under caution with the defendant, during which she offered no real explanation for the condition of the dogs. She claimed that Sky was a picky eater and acknowledged that she had noticed they were losing weight, but claimed not to think it was as severe as it was. The court heard that both dogs increased in weight over the following three weeks without any medical treatment. Sky almost doubled in weight, increasing from 7.5kg back to her previous weight of 14.8kg, and Romeo gained 25pc of his initial weight, from 13.5kg to 18kg. Both dogs recovered fully and were later surrendered and rehomed. Under cross-examination, Inspector Dowling confirmed that, other than the poor physical condition, there were no other signs of neglect or abuse. When asked by Judge David Kennedy whether the dog's coats were dirty, suggesting that they had been living in a poor environment, the inspector told the Judge that that was not the case. In mitigation, the defendant's history of depression and anxiety disorders was highlighted, as well as her difficult upbringing. The court heard that she 'panicked' when the ISPCA inspector arrived and that she was 'sorry for her behaviour'. On passing sentence, Judge Kennedy wondered 'how it got so bad' and said that he would have thought that the defendant's family "would have been some guidance'. Mr Dowling said that the "poor physical condition of Sky in particular was really concerning". "For a dog to be half of its ideal body weight is exceptional. I'm relieved that I got there in time because I'm not sure how much longer she would have gone on for," he said. "Romeo's future development could have been severely compromised from being deprived of nutrition at such a young age. "Thankfully, due to the wonderful work of our animal care staff, both have recovered fully and are enjoying life in their new homes," he added.
Irish Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Man and woman jailed after dog found dead in yard with plastic in stomach
A man and a woman have pleaded guilty to number of animal neglect charges at Navan District Court. On July 18, 2025, Kevin Horace and Kayla Rafferty with an address at 20 Oaklawns, Clogherboy Park, Navan, Co Meath pleaded guilty to 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. The Inspector spoke to Horace and Rafferty under caution, and they admitted joint ownership of the dead dog, a long-haired Terrier that had been named Bruno. Ms Rafferty claimed ownership of the other dog, a Collie 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. Their conditions were attributed to starvation. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week 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. It was also revealed that the two accused were offered the opportunity to take part in a formal interview but refused, stating that they were "too busy". 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 Ms Rafferty's defence solicitor to suspend her sentence, even temporarily. Judge McKiernan also made two disqualification orders banning both Mr. Horace and Ms. Rafferty from owning, having any interest in, keeping, dealing in or having charge or control, directly or indirectly, of an animal, for life. Sheba the collie cross. (Image: Irish Mirror) 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. Instead, he died in the yard from starvation, with only plastic in his stomach. He was failed utterly - a loyal companion left in the yard like unwanted trash'. He added: '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. I would encourage anyone to report any incidents of cruelty. We are there to help, sometimes the only voice they have." The ISPCA urges the public to continue reporting any suspicions of animal cruelty or neglect to its National Animal Cruelty Helpline by calling 0818 515 515, email helpline@ or report online here: If you can, please support the ISPCA by making a life-saving donation today to help rescue more animals from appalling situations just like this one: Get all the big crime and court stories direct to your phone on our new WhatsApp service. Sign up here.
IOL News
16-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Dogs on the trail of South Africa's endangered tortoises
A conservation official, working as part of the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Dryland Conservation Project, talks about a critically endangered female Geometric tortoise, that they found with specially trained dogs on a private reserve in the Boland district of the Western Cape. Image: RODGER BOSCH / AFP Snout pressed to the ground, a border collie named Delta zigzagged through the shrubs on a private nature reserve near Cape Town, frantically sniffing for critically endangered tortoises. The dog stopped abruptly in front of a small bush and lay down, signalling a find as Delta's handler moved in to search the surrounding area. Hidden in the tall grass was a tiny reptile, its shell marked with yellow star-like patterns - a clear sign it was a geometric tortoise, a species found only at the southern tip of Africa. "It's an adult female, you can tell by its flat belly," said Esther Matthew, the dog's handler and a conservation officer for South Africa's Endangered Wildlife Trust. She explained that the organisation uses canines to sniff out the endangered species by "building positive association with the tortoises' odour", throwing Delta a foam frisbee as a reward. Dogs are five times more effective than humans at this type of search and "also help us find the smaller tortoises which are often overlooked, the hatchlings and the juveniles", Matthew said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Dog-handler Esther Matthew, and Collie dog, Delta, working as part of the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Dryland Conservation Project, play a short game of frisbee as a reward for locating a critically endangered Geometric tortoise on a private reserve in the Boland district of the Western Cape. Image: RODGER BOSCH / AFP "We've seen a dramatic increase in the number of finds with the dogs." The help has become crucial in studying and protecting the geometric tortoise, found only in South Africa's Western Cape province and on the verge of extinction. The species' population was already as low as 1 500 individuals in the wild in the early 1990s, according to biologist Andrew Turner, who works for the conservation authority Cape Nature. It is now estimated at only several hundred animals with "declines pretty much across the entire remaining range of this species", he said. On the nature reserve, Delta and Matthew - helped by colleagues searching the bushes with sticks - found a dozen of the hardy reptiles. "We record all the tortoises we can find, all the data, measurements and weight," Delta's handler explained. With the species' natural habitat shrinking due to agriculture and urban expansion, these surveys have become all the more critical, Turner said. "There are very few places left in the Western Cape that still support these tortoises. It's really just a couple of nature reserves and pieces of good habitat left on people's private property," he added. "The remaining patches of vegetation are not really connected to each other anymore. There are farmlands in between, roads, towns and industries so there is limited ability for the tortoises to disperse and rescue other populations." This fragmentation makes them all the more vulnerable to droughts, predation and fires, which scientists argue have become more frequent and intense thanks to climate change. Poaching - of the tortoises and the plants they feed on - is also a threat, Turner said. "They are down to such small levels that they actually need as much assistance as they can get," he said. To save the species, the Endangered Wildlife Trust has looked at building "partnerships" with landowners and communities living in the animals' habitat. "The biggest thing is... creating corridors where species can work through," said Zanne Brink, who leads the organisation's dry lands conservation programme. "Our biggest challenge is to get enough information to prevent critical biodiversity areas from being lost to unsustainable land use." | AFP
