UNITED KINGDOM -- A man has been fined €250 after he was convicted of neglecting his dog which had to be put down after it was seized.
Carlow District Court heard that the man, who is from Graiguecullen, was also ordered to pay €2,250 in costs following the incident.
The case related to a visit made by ISPCA chief inspector Conor Dowling to the he man’s property on 24 September 2015.
Dowling said he discovered a Collie at the house in poor physical condition with a massively swollen scrotum.
Further inquiries revealed that the dog’s scrotum had been swollen for four to five months and that in that time the animal’s health had been deteriorating.
Chief inspector Dowling seized the dog and brought him for immediate veterinary attention. The dog was found to have a large testicular tumor and his bladder had prolapsed into the scrotum. The dog was put down as the condition was inoperable.
The man’s defense attorney said that his client had had the dog for almost ten years when it developed the tumor and he had been in denial, hoping it would heal naturally.
Dowling said, “This case highlights the responsibility that pet owners have to provide appropriate treatment for the animals in their care in all circumstances.”
Members of the public should report animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA by contacting the National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515.
(The Journal IE - Feb 3, 2017)
