Latest news with #ISPCA
Agriland
6 days ago
- General
- Agriland
Heard the one about a pygmy goat found swimming in the River Shannon?
The recent hot weather may have inspired many to have a quick dip - and one of these appears to have been a young, male pygmy goat. The goat - currently unnamed - was found swimming in the River Shannon by tourists docked at the marina in Lanesborough, Co. Longford. He was carefully removed from the water and temporarily located in the local tennis court because the area is fenced and locals felt he would be safe there. Joe O'Brien, a local shop owner told Agriland: "I heard from a local community member, Roberto Riozzi, that a goat had been found in the water at the marina, here in the town. "Roberto came into the shop and asked would I advertise the goat on Facebook to see if anyone would claim it." "The ISPCA were contacted, and would take the goat and neuter it, but would not hold on to it." Alan Horohoe, a local community member who keeps pygmy goats, was one of the people who had been contacted to to ask if the goat might be his. Although Horohoe said it was not one of his goats, he was keen to help. "I collected the goat from the tennis court because I was worried for his welfare. " I kept the goat in a separate pen from the rest of my herd while he was here," he added. Joe O'Brien said he also got two phone calls from people who claimed to own pygmy goats, one of which was an undertaker in Longford town. This resulted in the goat being collected from Horohoe's farm by undertaker, David Connell. He said: "We have some pygmy goats here, and when I heard the story I contacted Joe O'Brien". The goat does not appear to have any ear tags and so is not registered to a flock number. According to Connell: "He's not nine months yet, he's only a young animal. "If anybody claims the goat, the animal is here for them, but we're going to mind him for the foreseeable future, and if nobody turns up, then we'll give him a good home." The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) regulations under the National Goat Identification System state that a goat must be double-tagged by the age of nine months or on movement from the establishment, whichever comes first.
Agriland
31-07-2025
- Health
- Agriland
Ispca Campaign Raises Over E20000 for Flea and Worm Awareness
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has extended its gratitude to Chanelle Pharma, who supported a recent campaign which raised €23,439. The ISPCA announced its first ever Flea and Worm Awareness campaign earlier this year, which ran throughout the entire month of April (2025). This initiative, in partnership with Chanelle Pharma, aimed to highlight the importance of regular flea and worm treatments for pets. As part of the campaign, an in-store promotion ran across all major pet stores nationwide, and for every pack of FleawayPlus and Wormaway purchased, Chanelle Pharma donated 50c to the ISPCA. The head of the national animal centre, Cillian Costigan believes that parasite control is important for pets, and that preventative healthcare is crucial. He said: "We often see rescued animals being admitted from our inspectors suffering from parasite infestation leading to all kinds of health problems, which could have been prevented. "This partnership has helped us take a significant step forward in highlighting the importance of worm and flea treatments, and this collaboration is a shining example of what is possible when the corporate and non-profit sectors come together with a shared purpose," Costigan added. The funds raised from the campaign directly support the ISPCA's rescue and rehabilitation work, helping more animals in need. The head of animal health Ireland at Chanelle Pharma, Russell Good said: "At Chanelle Pharma, we're committed to improving the lives of animals - and the people who care for them. That's why we were proud to partner with the ISPCA as a Platinum Sponsor for the Wormaway and FleawayPlus campaign. Together, we raised awareness about parasite prevention and made a meaningful contribution to support the ISPCA's vital work. "This partnership shows the powerful impact of trusted products and shared values working toward a common goal,' Good added. The ISPCA said that it looks forward to continuing the partnership, and working together on future initiatives that drive positive change for animal welfare.
Sunday World
26-07-2025
- 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.
Irish Independent
24-07-2025
- 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.
BreakingNews.ie
24-07-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Wicklow woman (22) disqualified from keeping animals for 30 years
Sarah Cullen (22) with an address at Asgard Close, Arklow, Co Wicklow, has been banned from keeping animals for 30 years after entering guilty pleas to four offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013. The offences include one of obstructing an authorised officer. Advertisement Arklow District Court heard evidence from ISPCA chief inspector Conor Dowling, who described how he called to the defendant's home on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, in response to a report received from a concerned member of the public. He spoke with Ms Cullen, who brought two dogs to the front door, a black and white Collie named 'Sky', and a six-month-old Golden Retriever pup named "Romeo'. Inspector Dowling said that 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 but, 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. Advertisement The court heard that Dowling advised the defendant that he would seek a search warrant to gain access to the dog if necessary but that 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. He added that, as he left the property, Ms Cullen said 'I'll have your job you f***ing c***'. 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'. Photo: ISPCA Inspector Dowling described how he obtained a search warrant the following morning, on April 10th, 2024, and returned to Asgaard Close accompanied by gardaí. Advertisement Contact was made with the defendant, and it was established that she and the Retriever pup Romeo were at her sister's home. The officials proceeded to that address and the second dog was seized. The inspector said that the pup's belly appeared swollen and he formed the opinion that he had been fed a lot since the previous day. The pup vomited during the journey to the vets producing a large volume of barely digested dog food. On veterinary examination Romeo was found to weigh 13.5kg. 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, said that the dog should weigh over 20kg, and described 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. Advertisement She claimed that Sky the Collie was a picky eater and acknowledged that she had noticed they were losing weight but claimed to not 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 25 per cent of his initial weight, from 13.5kg to 18kg. Both dogs recovered fully and were subsequently surrendered and rehomed. Photo: ISPCA 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 indicating that they had been living in a poor environment, the inspector said that was not the case. In mitigation, the defendant's history of depression and anxiety disorders was highlighted as was her difficult upbringing. The court heard that she 'panicked' when the ISPCA inspector arrived and that she was 'sorry for her behaviour'. Advertisement 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'. He imposed a 30-year disqualification from keeping all animals, imposed a nominal €500 fine, and ordered that Ms Cullen pay €2,620.35 in ISPCA costs. 'The poor physical condition of Sky in particular was really concerning' commented Chief Inspector Dowling, '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. 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'.
