On 11 December 2024, NSPCA inspectors Finnerty and Lowe attended a property in South Dublin following a report concerning the welfare of two dogs.
At the premises, two bull-breed type dogs were discovered in the rear garden. Both animals were extremely underweight. The environment contained numerous hazards, including machinery and household waste, and there was no adequate shelter provided.
Inspectors raised serious concerns regarding both the dogs’ body condition and their living conditions. The defendant, who owned the property, stated that she was the owner of the female dog, while her son owned the male dog. She also claimed she did not have access to the area where the dogs were kept and relied on others at the property to feed them.
Both dogs were removed and transferred to NSPCA Dublin for urgent veterinary care. On examination, both were found to be emaciated. The male dog, later named Ivar, had a body condition score of just 1 out of 9 and required an emergency blood transfusion to survive.
On 19 February 2025, inspectors returned to formally notify the defendant that both dogs had been seized under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. She was interviewed under caution. Her son was not available for interview. A further visit on 14 May 2025 saw the defendant’s son refuse to engage with inspectors. The defendant was asked to surrender Holly voluntarily but declined, stating she wanted the dog returned.
Both dogs remained in the care of the NSPCA until the case was heard at a Dublin District Court on 9th February 2026. In court, the defendant pleaded guilty, and in the absence of her son, she surrendered both dogs to the NSPCA. Judge Halpin recorded a conviction and imposed a fine of €200, with 12 months allowed for payment, in relation to the female dog, Holly. All five summonses issued against her son in relation to the male dog, Ivar, were struck out. No conviction, fine, or penalty was imposed on him.
A Positive Outcome for Ivar and Holly
Despite early fears that Ivar might not survive his first night, he showed incredible resilience. Thanks to an emergency blood transfusion, donated by another shelter dog, Oscar the Greyhound, he began a remarkable recovery. Ivar went on to make a full recovery and has since been adopted by his loving foster family. His sister Holly also made a full recovery and is now safe, happy, and living the life she always deserved.
