All the staff, volunteers and animals at the Waterford SPCA would like to say a big “Thank You” to St Marys National School in Ballygunner for their very kind donation.  All donations help us help the animals in need. Go rabid míle maith agaibh.

A Waterford appeared before Waterford Circuit Court on Thursday last, Janury 11th, charged under Section 12(a) of the Animal Welfare Act.
Waterford SPCA Inspector Alice Lacey gave details of responding to a call from the public on March 5th 2015 and calling to the man’s home, which he shares with his father and sister. The court heard that the defendant had two greyhounds living outside in separate pens, along with one indoors.
Ms Lacey told the court that, accompanied by members of An Garda Siochana from Kilmacthomas Garda Station, three greyhounds were seized due to their poor condition, with one having to be euthanised immediately on arrival at the vets. The dogs were extremely underweight, and had pressure sores and open wounds from lying on a hard surface without any proper comfort for a prolonged period of time. One of the wounds on the dog which was euthanised dog went right down to the bone.
The dogs, aged between 4 and 6 years, had previously been tagged and registered with the Irish Greyhound Board. The court heard that two pets, an Alsatian and a Rottweiler were also living at the residence, were found in very good condition.
Inspector Lacey told the court that the owner was not at home when she called but she left him a note and he contacted her at 6pm that evening. They met in person at the address on March 9th and he had told her that he had de-wormed the dogs and “accepted responsibility”. He told her that he had been feeding the dogs on bread and “racer nuts”.
Judge Eugene O’Kelly said that it is “extraordinary” that this man could let these hounds get into such poor condition and that a Rottweiler and Alsatian were found in such good condition. Solicitor Paddy Gordon said that when his client became aware that the dogs were not thriving he “didn’t know what to do” and then “was afraid”.
Judge O’Kelly said that he could have contacted a vet.
Despite having the dogs confiscated by the ISPCA, and one having to be destroyed, the defendant received the Probation Act and was ordered to pay €2,350 to the Waterford SPCA. Judge Kelly noted that defendant suffered from psychological difficulties, was “functionally illiterate”, and had no previous convictions.
He said: “If he comes back before this court he won’t be treated in the same way.”
We have attached photos of the sores found one of the greyhounds in this case. Visitors to our page may find them distressing.
Waterford SPCA are grateful to the Gardaí for taking the prosecuting and hope that it will help prevent and deter against neglect and maltreatment of animals. If you have any concerns about neglect, mistreatment or cruelty to animals please call Waterford SPCA at 051-841432 or email waterfordspca@eircom.net. Remember one call can save an animal’s life.