The ISPCA is warning owners that ear cropping or other mutilations will not be tolerated after a Roscommon man was handed a suspended jail term for animal cruelty
The man appeared at Roscommon District Court after ISPCA inspectors searched his property following a tip-off that a puppy had been observed with its ears cropped.
Investigations in February 2019 discovered that a blue and white female American Bully pup named Cardi B, was found with her ears cropped at the man's home and the dog was seized and detained.
The court heard the man was believed to be breeding dogs for commercial gain and ear cropping is done for cosmetic reasons, purely to achieve a look desired by owners.
The court heard that there was a total of over €9,000 in costs including €6,705 in boarding and veterinary fees as the dog had been detained since its seizure.
The judge questioned if the accused had any appreciation for what he had done to the dog and said that "a message has to go out".
Yesterday, the accused produced €850 towards the outstanding costs and gave a commitment to pay €100 per week to the ISPCA.
Judge Faughnan also imposed a four-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and disqualified the accused from keeping dogs for three years.
“We are absolutely delighted that Cardi B can now be permanently rehomed” said Inspector Karen Lyons, “She had a difficult start in life but she can now look forward to living out her life in a loving home. Ear cropping is a cruel and unnecessary mutilation that has no place in modern society”.
ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling commented: “The ISPCA will take satisfaction from the fact that offences were proven and somebody was held accountable in this case. But we are also aware that other puppies are being mutilated in a similar fashion and we will endeavour to ensure that others are similarly held to task. As can be seen from this case, the repercussions for anyone performing or organising such illegal procedures can be severe. We are also grateful for the awarding of our kennelling costs. Cardi B was detained for over 18 months while the case progressed. At one point she was one of over 75 dogs which were being detained by the ISPCA as the subjects of cruelty prosecutions”.
If you suspect that an animal is suffering from abuse, cruelty or neglect, please report your concerns in confidence on 1890 515 515, email [email protected] or report online here at https://www.ispca.ie/cruelty_complaint
