Waterford woman banned from owning animals after serious case of neglecting dog
Shadow was under veterinary care for six weeks.
A Waterford woman has received a 10-year ban from owning any animals for causing "unnecessary suffering" to her dog.
At Waterford District Court, Aileen Ryan of Patrick Square Apartments, Waterford City was convicted under s.12(1)(b) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act whereby a person shall not: "do, or fail to do, anything or cause or permit anything to be done to an animal that causes unnecessary suffering to, or endanger the health or welfare of, an animal, or (b) neglect, or be reckless, regarding the health or welfare of an animal."
Ms Ryan did not attend her court hearing at Waterford District Court but was convicted by Judge Kevin Staunton. She is disqualified from owning animals for 10 years and is ordered to pay a €970.96 fine.
Judge Staunton heard that ISPCA (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Inspector Alice Lacey was alerted to a report of concern on September 5, 2023, about the dog, named Shadow. Shadow had presented with a mild skin condition. Inspector Lacey instructed the owner to seek veterinary care for her dog.
However, the owner failed to attend any follow-up veterinary appointments for the dog, and the skin condition worsened. Inspector Lacey became more concerned for the dog's welfare. She contacted Ms Ryan multiple times and called to her address, to no avail.
On the evening of April 5, 2024, Inspector Lacey finally gained access to the apartment. The curtains were drawn but she could tell even in the darkness that the dog was almost totally hairless. According to the ISPCA: "The Inspector said that she could feel the heat from the dog as she got closer. Despite Shadow’s condition, her owner told Inspector Lacey she thought that the dog “looked better than before”.
As Inspector Lacey attempted to remove Shadow from the apartment, the situation turned tense with the owner and a third party: "When the Inspector notified them of her intention to remove Shadow to be assessed by a vet, the situation became quite volatile with the third-party shouting profanity at her."
Despite the aggressive acts, Shadow was successfully removed from the premises and quickly received urgent veterinary care.
The ISPCA stated: "A skin scrape confirmed that Shadow had demodectic mange and she was put on a course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories and washed with a medicated shampoo to relieve her suffering."
The vet said that Shadow had the "worst case of a skin condition" he had ever seen. Shadow was under veterinary care for six weeks.
Inspector Lacey said: "Animal welfare encompasses many different aspects. It is not just limited to providing food, water, and shelter for your animal.
"This case is a prime example of how an owner failing to provide necessary veterinary treatment resulted in a prosecution under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013."
She continued: "I was shocked at how Shadow’s condition had deteriorated, and she had a long road ahead of her after she was rescued. But she thankfully made a great recovery and found herself welcomed into the most wonderful forever home, alongside another ISPCA rescue dog.”
