HORRIFIC: DONKEYS STARVED TO DEATH AND LEFT ABANDONED IN FIELD

February 12, 2013

A walker was left shocked after finding two dead donkeys missing both their eyes and ears in a field in Gaoth Dobhair.Donkey1

The remains of the two animals were allowed to rot away in a field at Brinaleck for a month after they starved to death, a court heard today.

ISPCA Inspector Kevin McGinley told Dungloe District Court today that he found the dead animals when he called to the farm of John Gallagher of Brinaleck, Gaoth Dobhair on January 31st, 2012.

As well as finding the two dead donkeys, Inspector McGinley found a third donkey who was in poor condition with badly-overgrown hooves.

Inspector McGinley said he had spoken with the 72 year old owner who admitted the animals had died a month earlier from exposure to the weather.

Inspector McGinley said bushes in the field had been eaten back to the bare branch suggesting the animals had not been fed.donkey2

Gallagher, who failed to turn up in court, faced one charge of causing cruelty to a donkey and two further charges of failing to dispose of two dead donkeys.

The court heard that while Gallagher also used to own seven horses and another donkey, he no longer kept equine animals.

Judge Paul Kelly found Gallagher guilty of all thee charges and fined him a total of €550 and also ordered him to pay the ISPCA’s costs of €513.

Speaking after the case, Inspector McGinley said he was satisfied the case had been settled.

“We believe it sends a clear message to all equine owners of their responsibility to care for and provide the necessary feed and vet treatment if and when require.

“It is common knowledge that Ireland is going through an equine crisis at the moment.

“However, owners must take responsibility for their care and welfare,” he said.

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