A couple have been jailed and banned from keeping dogs after two emaciated pooches – one of which died – were discovered at their home.
Kevin Horace and Kayla Rafferty were investigated after a long-haired terrier named Bruno was found dead in their back garden by an animal welfare officer.
The pup had no access to food, water or shelter.
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A second emaciated Collie cross called Sheba was found and taken to the vets, as reported by Need to Know.
The inspector spoke to Horace and Rafferty under caution, and they admitted joint ownership of the dead dog.
Rafferty claimed ownership of the surviving animal.
The pair conceded that the dogs had not been checked since the previous day, although it was lunchtime when the inspector called.
They said they were not aware that Bruno had died.
There was dog food and a bowl of water inside the house, but the dogs did not have access to them.
Both animals were found to be extremely underweight with body condition scores of just one out of nine.
Following the case, Inspector McCormack said that “it was shocking to find Bruno dead in the yard, lying against the back door”.
He said: “His only hope was the occupants of the house, and they never came.
“Instead, he died in the yard from starvation, with only plastic in his stomach.
“He was failed utterly – a loyal companion left in the yard like unwanted trash.”
Both of the dogs’ bones were prominent and their conditions were attributed to starvation.
The inspector added that Sheba was lucky.
He said: “Although very underweight, she got out in time, recovered fully, and now lives in a loving home.
“Sheba got a chance that her companion did not.
“I would encourage anyone to report any incidents of cruelty.
“We are there to help, sometimes the only voice they have.”
Horace and Rafferty pleaded guilty to six offences each under sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 on Friday (18 Jul) at Navan District Court, Ireland.
They were each given a two-month prison sentence and handed lifetime disqualifications from keeping dogs.
The animals were found in February of last year (2024).
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