ISPCA chair, Dr Pete Wedderburn, said people should ask candidates where they stand on animal welfare when they come to their door.

There were 50 adult dogs and 22 puppies present of various breeds including cocker spaniels, poodles, bichons, cavaliers, Burmese mountain dogs, Newfoundlands, collies, Jack Russells and cross breeds.

On Thursday, September 23, Thomas Phelan (25), with an address at Riverglen, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, appeared before Judge Brian O’Shea at Dungarvan District Court facing charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

James O’Reilly (46) of Parc na Craobhai, Gorey, Co Wexford pleaded guilty to two offences contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

A south Tipperary woman has been convicted of animal welfare offences after her dog was found with a “large open cavity on the right side of the dog’s face” and “numerous live maggots” found in an untreated wound.

ISPCA Senior Inspector, Alice Lacey, talks with the News & Star about the challenges of the role, the changes in legislation and one of the welfare cases that will always hold a special place in her heart

The ISPCA said they are strongly opposed to Irish hares being captured from their natural habitat, handled, transported, and kept in captivity until they are released to be chased by dogs, muzzled or not, before being returned to the wild if they survive

Judge Philip O’Leary also ordered the forfeiture of seized dogs to the ISPCA and imposed a €250 fine

On Tuesday, a recently rescued mare gave birth to a healthy filly foal in ISPCA care. 

Shock collars and other methods of training for animals are being reviewed, and possibly banned, to ensure pet owners use reward-based training techniques instead.