A father and son duo have been convicted of animal cruelty offences after welfare officials found dogs kept in horrific conditions on their property.
Tyrone Moylan and his dad, John Moylan, admitted animal welfare charges in court, while the son also admitted an offence of obstructing an authorised officer by “threatening to arm himself with a slash hook”.
ISPCA officers visited the property – in Kyleogue, Co Offaly, Ireland – after receiving a report.
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There, they found five German Shepherds (three adults and two pups) confined in “small dark pens” inside a shed.
The adult dogs were “severely underweight” with scarred skin, and were “wet” and “covered in caked faeces” and stinking of urine.
Inspectors found none of the dogs had anywhere dry to lie, and found no food or clean water, reports Need To Know.
During the visit, which happened in January 2023, the animals were removed from the premises.
Despite their poor condition, none of the five dogs required extensive veterinary care and have all since been successfully rehomed.
Judge Andrew Cody imposed a three-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, on Tyrone Moylan for the obstruction charge.
In addition, he was disqualified from keeping any dogs for a period of five years and fined €900.
John Moylan was fined €900 and ordered to pay €2,052.68 in costs.
Judge Coady also imposed an order that he could keep no more than two dogs or have no more than two dogs at any place at which he resides for a five-year period.
ISPCA Inspector McCormack said: “There was total disregard for the physical and mental wellbeing of these dogs.
“They were locked in dark, faeces and urine-covered boxes for long periods.
“I was shocked at how thin the two adult males were.
“It is heartbreaking to see such neglect but, happily, all these dogs went on to be rehomed into homes where they are now loved, and they get to live their lives fully.
“There is no excuse for allowing dogs to live in these conditions.
“Pet owners have a moral and legal responsibility to care for their animals at all times.”
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