A MAN from Kildare has been convicted of cruelty to an animal after a dog in his care was found emaciated and with huge tumours.
The terrier was seized and taken to a vet but was immediately euthanised so as not to prolong its suffering.
Mark McEvoy, 48, of Carbery, Co, Kildare was convicted of two offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act – causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, and neglecting or being reckless regarding the health and welfare of an animal.
(Image: ISPCA)He was acquitted on two further counts.
ISPCA Inspector Mary Claire Casement told the court that on Friday, February 26, she responded to a complaint made to the charity’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline.
She visited a property in Carbery, where she found the aged terrier in an emaciated condition with large mammary tumours, bad teeth and poor skin.
(Image: ISPCA)It was taken to a vet and immediately euthanised on humane grounds.
In court, Mr McEvoy contested the charges, claiming the dog belonged to his uncle, who was in hospital.
Aware dog was in poor health
He added that he was not in control of the dog but merely feeding it.
However when asked by Judge Desmond Zaidan, Mr McEvoy conceded that he was aware that the dog was in poor health from “around Christmas” – around two months prior to its removal.
“How could you have not done anything about it?” asked Judge Zaidan.
Mr McEvoy was fined €500 for each of the two counts on which he was found guilty.
He was also ordered to pay €1,500 in State costs and €584 in ISPCA expenses.
Inspector Casement said: “When you take on the responsibility of caring for an animal you must address any issue that may arise.
“A failure to seek veterinary attention for this dog when it was clearly needed resulted in it being subjected to prolonged suffering.”
