A KILDARE man was handed down a lifetime ban from keeping any animals by a court after evidence was heard that a sow was attacked by dogs on his property.

According to an ISPCA press release issued today, Seamus Duffy of Clonkeen, Carbury, Co Kildare, was issued with a lifetime ban from keeping any animals following a court case in Naas District Court on Tuesday, January 17th 2017.

The court heard that the defendant suffered from medical issues and that what happened to the sow was not a deliberate act.

The ISPCA press release detailed that the court case related to an incident in November 2015 involving two large dogs and a sow pig to which the ISPCA were alerted.

A multi-agency investigation ensued involving ISPCA Inspectors, An Garda Siochana, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine officials, and the Kildare Dog Warden Service.

According to the ISPCA, the court heard the accused admitted ownership of the two dogs and the sow and confirmed that the animals were allowed to roam freely, resulting in the sow being savagely attacked by the dogs. The injuries sustained were so severe that the sow had to be euthanised onsite based on veterinary advice.

The ISPCA release said that the accused pled guilty and accepted his failings under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, maintaining it was not a deliberate act and that he had ongoing medical issues.

EATEN

The ISPCA release stated: "Judge Desmond Zaidan acknowledged the guilty plea stating the circumstances of this case was very disturbing causing suffering to an animal to be eaten alive by dogs.

There was no safe pen provided for the sow failing to safeguard the welfare of his animals by not providing secure accommodation. Although noting Mr Duffy’s health issues, Judge Zaidan stated that if the accused could not care for himself, then he could not care for his animals."

The judge imposed a lifetime ban from keeping any animals and issued a fine of €2,500 plus veterinary costs to be paid within 12 months.

ISPCA Inspector Mary Claire Casement said: “We are pleased with the sentence imposed in this case. Anyone owning an animal has a legal responsibility to provide for its welfare and the ISPCA hopes that this case will send out a clear message that animal neglect is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. We would like to thank all the agencies involved in bringing this matter to court.”

If you suspect an animal is being cruelly treated, neglected or abused, please contact the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline in confidence on 1890 515 515 or report cruelty online on http://www.ispca.ie/cruelty_complaint