A woman has been banned for life from owning dogs after admitting to causing 'unnecessary suffering' to a German Shepherd pup.
She appeared before Waterford District Court on 20 May 2019 under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
The woman admitted to causing unnecessary suffering and failing to provide a sufficient quantity of 'wholesome and uncontaminated' drinking water to the ten-month-old pup.
The woman received a lifetime ban on owning any dogs and was ordered to pay €1,665 in costs, including €557.58 in vet fees.
The ISPCA was originally made aware of the case in May 2018 when a member of the public made a complaint about the condition that the dog was being kept in.
ISPCA Inspector Alice Lacey investigated the call to discover a young male German shepherd kept in the garden of a property in an emaciated condition and missing hair from most areas of its body.
Inspector Lacey described how there was an 'overbearing odour' coming from the dog’s skin due to the severe skin condition from which it was suffering.
Ms Lacey says that there was also no visible food or water bowls present.
Under caution, the owner admitted that she had not sought veterinary treatment for the dog’s skin condition and agreed to sign the dog over into the care of the ISPCA.
The dog was transported to the nearby City Vets in Waterford City where he was urgently assessed and treated by a vet.
He was suffering from severe sarcoptic mange, he had ear mites and a high temperature.
Once he was responding to treatment he was transferred to the Waterford SPCA for care and rehabilitation.
ISPCA Inspector Alice Lacey said: “It took several months of rehabilitation to this dog for a skin condition that could have been prevented by regular parasite treatment.
"He is such a beautiful natured young dog and it was totally unacceptable to find him in this situation at such a young stage in his life.
"There is simply no excuse for failing to provide the very basic level of care which would have prevented unnecessary suffering”.
The ISPCA is reminding pet owners of their legal responsibility to safeguard the welfare of animals in their care and encourages members of the public to continue to report any animal welfare concerns online or by contacting the National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 .
You can help the ISPCA continue their vital work by making a donation here.
