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Animal Abuse
Laois man convicted for causing unnecessary suffering to a dog
The man has been banned from keeping animals for five years and will have to undertake community service with the ISPCA.
Neil with an ISPCA staff member. Pic: ISPCA
A LAOIS MAN has been banned from keeping animals for five years over the “appalling” way he treated a dog.
The ISPCA said that Patsy Sydes, with an address at 34 Fr O’Connor Crescent, Mountrath had claimed that the dog had a worming problem and that he had obtained tablets as treatment for the condition.
He was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog and was given 200 hours community service, as well as being banned from keeping animals for five years.
Emaciated
The case arose after ISPCA inspector Elaine Whyte discovered a black Labrador cross dog in an extremely emaciated condition on 24 July last year.
The dog was surrendered into the care of the ISPCA, and then taken for urgent veterinary care. The ISPCA presented a file on the case to the local gardaí.
Judge Catherine Staines read a vet’s report on the animal and described the matter as “appalling”, said the ISPCA.
It also said that the judge noted that there were old lacerations on the dog’s ears and its nails were overgrown. The vet determined that the animal’s “pain and suffering was unnecessary and could have been avoided”.
Judge Staines imposed 200 hours community service in lieu of three months in prison. She recommended that Sydes complete his community service with the ISPCA.
Inspector Whyte said that the dog, who was named Neil by rescuers and subsequently rehomed, “was as skinny as any we see”.
It should have been obvious that specialist veterinary assistance was needed long before my visit. I am very pleased with the successful outcome of the case.
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