Two pregnant dogs were rescued from horrific living conditions – where an “old school bachelor” farmer left them in squalor with a dead sheep.
A number of dogs were found at the property in County Laois, Ireland, living in sheds and trailers, with the two pregnant pets “extremely underweight”, with fleas and open sores.
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Another dog was found in a shed with no water and light, and a decomposing cow was found nearby.
A total of three adult King Charles Spaniels, a female Terrier, and her four pups were removed from the home – owned by farmer John Dempsey, whose solicitor described him as an “old school bachelor farmer”.
ISPCA Inspector, James McCormack attended the scene on 28 July 2022, alongside Garda officers, and removed the animals.
Later, on a return inspection earlier this month, Inspector McCormack found a dead sheep in a trailer with two lambs attempting to suckle from it, as reported by Need To Know.
Dempsey, of Strahard, Mountmellick, appeared before Judge Nicola Andrews at Portlaoise District Court in relation to animal cruelty offences, failing to comply with an animal health and welfare notice, and failing to dispose of a bovine carcass.
Inspector McCormack told the court how having unsuccessfully tried on numerous occasions to contact Mr Dempsey, he served an Animal Health and Welfare Notice on 5 September 2022 requiring Mr Dempsey to maintain any dogs on his premises in appropriate conditions.
He returned on 4 January 2023 and found a German Shepherd being kept in contravention of the notice imposed, in filthy conditions and without bedding or water.
This dog was seized but, on leaving, Inspector McCormack found that the gate to the premises was padlocked.
It had been padlocked while he was on the property, and he had to cut the lock to get out of the yard, the court heard.
Inspector McCormack also told of how he conducted another inspection on 5 April 2024 and found the dead sheep and two lambs.
He also found the carcass of a cow, and reported there was “slurry everywhere”.
The Department of Agriculture was contacted about the livestock issues and attended to the property.
Dempsey pleaded guilty to all charges.
His solicitor, Michael Keane of Flynn McMorrow, described his client as an “old school bachelor farmer” who lives on his own, having previously run the farm with his brother, who is now deceased.
Convicting Dempsey, Judge Andrews imposed a disqualification order prohibiting him from keeping dogs or cats for a period of five years, and a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months.
She also fined him €2,500 and ordered that he pay costs of €3,233.16.
Reflecting on the case, Inspector Mc Cormack commented: “This was a case of severe neglect of several animals over a prolonged period.
“Efforts to engage with the defendant on numerous occasions went unanswered making the situation more difficult.
“Communication is always key and there was none in this instance.
“Thankfully, all animals rescued are now in loving caring homes, living the lives that they deserve.
“Suffering cannot be tolerated, and offenders will be brought before the courts.”
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