A JUDGE has ordered a man to pay over €3,000 and has banned him from owning dogs.
Lionel Beresford, with an address in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, appeared before Dungarvan District Court on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021.
He entered guilty pleas in relation to a number of charges under sections 12, 13 and 14 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (AHWA). The case related to three male Foxhounds removed from a former hunt kennels on 16th December 2020.
Responding to a tip-off, ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspector Alice Lacey found the three hounds living in filthy conditions. The sleeping areas for the dogs were full of faeces and muck leaving no dry area for them to lie.
All of the dogs were also in poor body condition, in particular one older hound that weighed just 14.5kg. On veterinary examination he was found to have pressure sores from lying on a hard surface and had an untreated skin condition resulting in hair loss and raw, irritated skin.
“The swift action of the ISPCA led to these dogs being taken into care”.
On questioning by Inspector Lacey under caution, Mr Beresford admitted he had been responsible for caring for the dogs for the previous three years but only visited them infrequently. The last time he had tended to the dogs was three days before Inspector Lacey’s visit. Mr Beresford openly admitted to not feeding the dogs enough.
Judge Brian O’Shea convicted on two counts, with a further seven counts taken into consideration. On imposing a four-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, Judge O’Shea remarked “the only thing going for Mr Beresford, and the only reason he is not facing a custodial sentence in jail, is that he entered an early plea of guilty to the charges before him”.
He also fined Mr Beresford €1,500 and ordered that he pay vet fees of €832.98 and legal fees of €1,000.
Judge O’Shea also said: “These animals were neglected over a prolonged period of time.
“This case is at the upper end of the range of gravity.” He added “I have to give a commendation to Inspector Lacey for her evidence here today in court.
“The swift action of the ISPCA led to these dogs being taken into care”.
