Elderly woman whose nine dogs were found in room 'full of faeces' gets 10 month sentence

An elderly woman whose nine dogs were found to be living in unsanitary conditions has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for animal cruelty. 

ISPCA (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) inspectors discovered the animals stacked in crates at her home in Co Laois, two of which were found to have a broken jaw and broken hip. 

According to the ISPCA, the woman (89) - who has previously faced similar charges on two previous occasions and had been subject to a court order prohibiting her from ever owning any animal again - was convicted on 19 counts of animal cruelty at Athy District Court last week (September 26). 

Dogs in her possession were found to be kept in unsanitary conditions in a room "full of faeces... and mouldy food". 

Reflecting on the case, ISPCA Senior Inspector Fiona Conlon commented, "This has been a prolonged and frustrating case due to the defendant’s ongoing refusal to comply with instructions, including a court order, to stop keeping animals. But the ISPCA, Gardai, and Ann Cooke (from Kildare Animal Foundation) have persevered because many animals have suffered at the hands of this woman and she needs to be stopped.

"Regardless of her age, she has to comply with the law just the same as anyone else. I was asked in court by the defence solicitor whether I thought their client should be living in those conditions, my response was that she had a choice but the animals did not." 

The ISPCA is urging people to stand up against animal cruelty. 

In a statement on their website, a spokesperson stated, "This National Animal Week we urge you to take a stand against cruelty like this and say Cruelty No More! The animals from this case have thankfully been rescued and since rehomed but tragically, many more are still living in a world of cruelty and neglect. Please donate now and make a difference in the lives of animals on its way to a new and happy life."