On Monday 4th December 2017, in Clonmel District Court, Damien Power with an address at Turkstown, Co. Kilkenny was sentenced to two months imprisonment after pleading guilty to neglecting, or being reckless, regarding the health and welfare of a Patterdale terrier dog. The dog had severe injuries to its nose and jaw described in court as “consistent with some form of animal fighting”.

The case originated from a report to the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline from a member of the public who was concerned for the welfare of several dogs.
Waterford SPCA Inspector Alice Lacey visited the defendant’s property on Friday 8th January 2016 accompanied by Gardaí from Kilkenny Station. A number of dogs were found on the property and Inspector Lacey was particularly concerned about one male Patterdale Terrier with severe injuries to his lower jaw and nose.

The dog was immediately seized and brought to the City Vets in Waterford City for urgent veterinary assessment. It was the opinion of the attending veterinary surgeon that the dog had not received appropriate treatment its horrific injuries. The vet also believed that the injuries had been sustained over a period of time with a number of separate events contributing to the trauma to the dog’s face.
Inspector Lacey added: “The dog’s owner failed to seek veterinary treatment and had no regard for the suffering caused to this defenceless dog which would have endured extreme pain over a prolonged period of time. I would like to thank City Vets and the Waterford SPCA for their assistance in this case”.
Despite the best efforts of vets and care staff, the dog did not respond to treatment and had severe respiratory problems as a result of the injuries. Based on veterinary advice, he was euthanised on welfare grounds to prevent further suffering.

The Judge said the accused had shown a reckless disregard for the suffering of the dog and due to the veterinary evidence he could have considered a higher scale of sentencing but took Mr. Power’s guilty plea into consideration and imposed a two month custodial sentence .

Members of the public should continue to report animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA and Waterford SPCA by contacting the National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 or report cruelty online in confidence on http://www.ispca.ie/cruelty_complaint<http://www.ispca.ie/cruelty_complaint> or calling Waterford SPCA at 051-841432

Waterford SPCA co-funds the ISPCA Inspector which provides a licensed animal welfare officer to deal with animal welfare offences in the Waterford City, County and South Tipperary area.

Please help Waterford SPCA continue its work by donating securely to Waterford SPCA on the idonate link. Your donation helps us continue our work with abandoned, abused and neglected animals in the Waterford Area. Thank-you <https://www.idonate.ie/902_waterford-s-p-c-a.html>

You can help Waterford SPCA continue its work with abandoned, abused and neglected animals by:
> becoming a member of the society for €15 per annum
> helping with fundraising
> encourage friends to sign up for our regular e-letters
> reporting concerns of cruelty, abuse or neglect of animals.
> Karen in the office will be delighted to answer any queries you have regarding how to become a member of Waterford SPCA and how to sign up for volunteering with the society. The office is open every morning Mon to Fri, please call 051-841432 or email waterfordspca@eircom.net <mailto:waterfordspca@eircom.net>