A woman has been banned from owning a dog for her life for the "appalling" neglect of a male Yorkshire terrier named Jack(Image: Carmel Murray / ISPCA)

Woman given suspended sentence for “appalling” neglect after dog found with live maggots in eye wound 

Warning: This article contains images of a graphic nature that some readers may find disturbing

by · Irish Mirror

A woman has been handed a suspended jail sentence for what a judge described as “appalling” neglect of a dog who was humanely euthanised on veterinary advice due to the severity of its condition.

At Clonmel District Court on Tuesday, September 3, Helen Dunne, 46, with an address at Blackthorn Walk, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, appeared before Judge Cephas Power accused of four charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013. A guilty plea was entered.

During a visit to the accused’s address in June last year, the dog in question, a male Yorkshire Terrier, was found by a senior ISPCA Inspector to have a large cavity on the right side of its face extending from the corner of his mouth to underneath his right eye. His hair was also dirty, greasy and matted and the hair at the front of his head was covering his eyes. The temperature on the day was approximately 22C and the dog was panting heavily.

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Giving evidence in court, Inspector Alice Lacey said that she immediately seized the dog and brought him for an urgent veterinary assessment. There, it was found that he had a 6 centimetre mass on his face with a large opening at the centre. Numerous live maggots were seen moving around in the eye socket.

As well as the damage to his right eye, it was found that the dog was blind in his left eye. He was also suffering with a chronic infection in both ears. Due to the severity of its condition and the degree of suffering it was enduring, the dog was humanely euthanised, on veterinary advice.

Jack's wounded being treated by a vet(Image: Carmel Murray / ISPCA)
Close-up of the wound near Jack's eye(Image: Carmel Murray / ISPCA)

Ms Dunne later claimed that somebody had entered her property and attacked the dog, and that she had sought veterinary attention for it about six months before the ISPCA’s visit. Subsequent enquiries failed to find any record of such treatment.

Acting on behalf of the accused, Mr Eamon Hayes noted that the accused had no previous convictions. He said that the dog in question was 14 years of age, and that the accused had acquired the dog in a previous relationship and had developed an attachment to the dog. He claimed that Ms Dunne had consulted with a Veterinary Surgeon about the dog’s condition but, when advised by her vet that the dog might be euthanised, she “froze” and was unable to make the decision.

In ruling, Judge Power said that he did not believe that Ms Dunne had consulted with a vet and described the neglect as “appalling”. He convicted the defendant, imposed a three-month term of imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and fined her €500. The Judge also disqualified Ms Dunne from having a dog for life.

Jack, a Yorkshire terrier, sadly had to be humanely euthanised on veterinary advice due to the extent of his suffering(Image: Carmel Murray / ISPCA)

Commenting on the case, Senior Inspector Lacey said: “The suffering caused to “Jack”, an elderly dog nearing the end of his life, continued for months but was needless and preventable. To see him in this condition was extremely upsetting, he was not even aware I was in the yard with him until I touched him.

"Failing to seek veterinary treatment for an animal who is suffering is unacceptable, and in this case, the defendant was convicted under the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013. I am grateful to the veterinary practice who acted promptly and allowed Jack the dignity and respect he so much deserved at the very end”.

The ISPCA is urging the public to please continue to report any animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515, report online at: https://ispca.ie/report-cruelty/ or email helpline@ispca.ie. More information on how to support the ISPCA is available on its website.

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