Judge considering custodial sentence for Wicklow man who admitted animal cruelty offences.

On Thursday 7th May 2026, at Carlow District Court, Judge Geraldine Carthy said there was no doubt in her mind that she was “considering custody” for a 39-year-old Wicklow man who had entered guilty pleas to 32 offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

The court heard evidence from NSPCA Senior Inspector Fiona Conlon, who described attending a property in Co. Wicklow on 31st October 2024 following a report concerning animal welfare.

When nobody answered the door, Inspector Conlon inspected the premises and discovered 20 dogs and puppies, including eight female dogs of breeding age.

The inspection began in a small outbuilding where a Jack Russell Terrier and her four puppies were being kept. The mother dog was underweight with overgrown nails, while the puppies had their tails illegally docked. The outbuilding was filthy, with an overpowering smell of ammonia.

Inspector Conlon then examined seven kennels housing XL Bullies, French Bulldogs, Lurchers and Terriers. The kennels were dirty, most of the dogs had no access to water, and three dogs were confined together in a kennel that was far too small.

Several dogs were found to be severely underweight, including an emaciated brindle Lurcher described as “skin and bones”, and French Bulldogs whose ribs, hips and spine were clearly visible. One French Bulldog was bleeding from its ear and had lost part of it, injuries believed to have been caused during a fight between dogs while the inspection was taking place.

Ferrets were also found being kept in filthy conditions.

With assistance from the local Dog Warden, Inspector Conlon seized 11 of the most compromised dogs and puppies. A notice was left at the property and the defendant later contacted the NSPCA.

During a telephone conversation, the defendant stated that two of the dogs belonged to another person but accepted responsibility for caring for the remainder.

When Inspector Conlon returned the following day, the defendant admitted under caution that he had docked the puppies’ tails and had failed to seek veterinary treatment for injured dogs.

He also told the inspector that he was “not stuck for money” and that he intended to get the seized dogs back.

Two further dogs were subsequently removed from the premises by their owner, while Inspector Conlon issued instructions regarding the care of the remaining animals.

Despite this, the defendant later refused to allow NSPCA Inspectors and An Garda Síochána access to the property during a further inspection, even after being informed that authorised officers had the legal authority to enter. For safety reasons, Gardaí advised the inspectors to leave.

The court heard that every dog removed from the property made a full recovery. Four dogs gained more than 30% of their original body weight during rehabilitation, with one gaining 42%. The NSPCA submitted rehabilitation costs totalling €13,059.

Appearing on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Gillian Reid BL outlined the penalties available to the court, including the possibility of a disqualification order preventing the defendant from keeping animals.

When asked for her opinion, Inspector Conlon told the court:

“I feel that this gentleman should not have any animals.”

Counsel for the defendant apologised on his client’s behalf, stating that the situation had “got out of hand a small bit”. It was also submitted that the defendant wished to surrender the seized dogs, permit inspection of the remaining animals and that the court should consider obtaining a probation report.

Describing the photographs shown in court as “shocking and unacceptable”, Judge Carthy adjourned the matter until 11th June for sentencing.

In doing so, she warned that it was up to the defendant to mitigate matters to avoid “custody for a significant period of time.”

The Judge also referred to the defendant’s earlier statement that he was “not stuck for money” and suggested that he should pay the NSPCA’s rehabilitation costs of €13,059.

She further ordered that the NSPCA and An Garda Síochána be granted access to inspect any remaining dogs that afternoon.

Commenting on the case, Inspector Conlon said:

“Every animal owner has a responsibility to ensure the welfare of the animals in their care, whether they are household pets or dogs kept for breeding purposes.

In this case, the dogs were failed in that duty of care, and the puppies were subjected to a painful and unnecessary mutilation. The guilty pleas entered before the court last week vindicate the actions taken by the NSPCA.

We are relieved that the dogs seized are now safe and can look forward to a far better future.”