Déise Animal Sanctuary to cease operations following animal welfare issues
Scenes at Déise Animal Sanctuary during inspections that took place last year. Photo: ISPCA
The custodial sentence of the former Déise Animal Sanctuary operator, Ms Pat Edwards, has been suspended on the condition that the sanctuary ceases to operate.
At Clonmel Circuit Court on Tuesday February 18, Pat Edwards (70), of Déise Animal Sanctuary, Knocknaree, Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford appealed the severity of a custodial sentence imposed by Judge Brian O’Shea, in the District Court, in November last year.
At that time, Ms. Edwards admitted to causing suffering to, or endangering the health and welfare of a variety of animals and also admitted offences connected to the microchipping of dogs.
Judge O’Shea sentenced the defendant to eight months imprisonment, disqualified her from owning all animals for 20 years, and imposed a fine of €1,500.
At Tuesday’s appeal hearing, Judge Catherine Staines ruled that the original sentence imposed was appropriate but, taking into account the defendant’s health and no previous convictions, she suspended the custodial sentence for one year on condition that Ms. Edwards not have possession or control of any animals save for one pet dog, and that she not allow a sanctuary to operate on her premises.
Speaking to the Waterford News & Star today, Senior ISPCA Inspector, Alice Lacey, who carried out a total of six inspections on the sanctuary last year, said: “They will now cease to operate as a sanctuary and they have been given until March 21 for all of the animals to be rehoused or rehomed.
“After that, if there are any animals that they have failed to rehome, then the ISPCA will step in and will have any remaining animals surrendered over to ourselves.
“Ultimately, the judge decided to suspend that eight month jail sentence and on doing so she also imposed the closure of the sanctuary for good and for all animals to be removed from there, except for one dog that Ms. Edwards of her choosing can pick.
Ms. Lacey added: "Even though the sentence was suspended, we welcome the rest of the outcome which was having the sanctuary cease to operate. I definitely do think it sets a precedent."
More on this story is expected in the coming days at waterford-news.ie
Our previous coverage is available here: "Have you donated to the ‘House of Horrors'? - The Déise Animal Sanctuary Scandal"
