Carlow man sentenced to four months imprisonment and lifetime ban from keeping dogs
Nigel O’Hara was convicted of animal cruelty and sentenced to four months imprisonment at Carlow District Court on Thursday 1st February 2024
Nigel O’Hara of Fourteen Acres, Kilcarrig, Bagnalstown, Co. Carlow, was convicted of animal cruelty and sentenced to four months imprisonment at Carlow District Court on Thursday 1st February 2024.
In addition, Judge Geraldine Carthy imposed a lifetime ban on Mr O’Hara from keeping dogs, fined him €2,000 and ordered that he pay a further €3,791.78 in ISPCA costs and €1,000 in Ministerial Prosecutions costs.
The court had previously heard evidence on the matter on 4th January 2024, when ISPCA Senior Inspector Fiona Conlon gave evidence of conducting two inspections of Mr O’Hara’s premises, in June and July 2021 in the course of which a total of 19 dogs were removed.
In addition to the environmental concerns, a number of physical welfare issues affecting some of the dogs were identified. Several of the dogs were emaciated, and others had pressure sores, dental problems, and overgrown nails. Ms Conlon told the court that the 12 most impacted dogs were initially seized. She met with Mr O’Hara two days later, at which time he surrendered the seized dogs and gave commitments to rehome any remaining dogs, until he could commit the necessary time to their care.
However, when Ms Conlon returned on 8th July 2021, she found more dogs in dirty kennels and dark unventilated sheds, some without access to water. A further seven dogs were initially seized and subsequently surrendered.
Judge Carthy adjourned the case for one month to allow a follow up visit to confirm that the accused currently had no dogs in his possession and to consider a sentence.
Senior Inspector Conlon commented: 'As ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspectors, we aim to act as a voice for the voiceless and try to ensure that there is justice for animals that are subjected to neglect or mistreatment. There are consequences for those that commit animal welfare offences but, in this case, had the defendant delivered on the commitments that he gave after my first visit, the consequences may not have been so severe.'
To report any animal welfare concerns, please call the ISPCA’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515, report online at: www.ispca.ie/cruelty_complaint or email [email protected]