Record number of ISPCA prosecutions finalised in court last year

A record number of prosecutions initiated by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 were finalised in court last year.

ISPCA inspectors have statutory powers to deal with animal neglect, cruelty and abuse as authorised officers under the Act.

The ISPCA’s annual inspectorate report outlines that 16,211 calls were made to its national animal cruelty helpline in 2017, resulting in 3,273 investigations, 1,250 animals being seized or surrendered, 19 new prosecutions initiated and 21 cases finalised in court.

Last year also saw the first custodial sentences imposed for offences under the 2013 Act, including an 18-month sentence for cruelty offences in conjunction with a life ban on keeping animals imposed on a man who brutally killed his own dog, and a two month custodial sentence imposed on a man who failed to seek appropriate veterinary treatment for a dog with severe injuries to its jaw.

Government minister Michael Creed, launching the report, said: “My Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is very pleased to support the work of the ISPCA. As the nation’s largest animal welfare organisation, they are at the forefront of preventing cruelty to animals and the cases outlined in the Inspectorate report highlights the remarkable work being carried out by the ISPCA.

“We encourage members of the public to report any suspected animal cruelty so that those responsible for cruelty can be held accountable under the Animal Health and Welfare Act.”

Mr Creed (pictured) added: “My Department looks forward to continuing engagement with the ISPCA to ensure that all animals are protected.”