Father of 7 with 35 prior convictions jailed for animal neglect after death of baby foal

A father of seven with an extensive history of convictions has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for animal neglect. 

According to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), the 49-year-old man pleaded guilty to one charge under Section 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 at Letterkenny Circuit Court in relation to the death of a newborn foal under his care. 

The man, who reportedly has 35 prior convictions, left the foal unattended while he embarked on a drinking spree. 

The defendant’s explanation for the negligence was that he was celebrating the birth of the foal.

The foal was then subjected to an attack by two dogs on the property, leaving it with severe injuries which "proved to be insurmountable". 

Garda Barbara Doherty told the court how she arrived at the scene on January 16, 2020, where she discovered the foal outside a stable with a "significant" wound on its right hip.

The Garda returned later that day accompanied by ISPCA Superintendent Inspector Kevin McGinley and a veterinary surgeon, at which time the foal had been moved inside a shed. 

Veterinarian Dr. Leslie Smyth examined the foal and estimated its age to be just a few days old.

The foal was unable to stand, exhibiting visible signs of distress, with an eight-inch wound that penetrated to the bone. 

The living conditions were also described as "deplorable". 

Dr. Smyth concluded that the injuries were consistent with a dog attack and, unfortunately, the foal's condition had reached a point of no return and was euthanised.  

The defendant told Gardai that he believed the foal had been given baby powder to stop the bleeding. 

He reportedly paid for the vet's services and donated €40 to the ISPCA. 

The court took into account the defendant’s clean record with regard to animal cruelty, however the severity of the offence warranted a prison sentence.

Judge John Aylmer sentenced the defendant to two years in prison with the final 12 months suspended, and also banned him from keeping or working with animals for a period of five years.  

Speaking afterwards, ISPCA Superintendent Inspector McGinley said, “This was a very unfortunate case of an animal just a few days old having to be humanely euthanised as a result of the injuries it sustained." 

Mr. McGinley issued a reminder to all animal owners that we all have a moral and indeed a legal obligation to ensure the safety of all animals under our care or control.