Student banned from keeping dogs for four years

A judge has fined a student €200 and banned her from keeping animals for four years after she left her dog to starve.

Natalie McGranaghan appeared at Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal charged with cruelty to an animal.

The court heard how ISPCA inspectors went to McGranaghan’s rented flat at Leitir Ard, Letterkenny after hearing reports that a dog had been abandoned there.

Insp Kevin McGinley told Judge Paul Kelly he went to McGranaghan's rented home at Leitir Ard, Letterkenny, on March 12th last year.

He said he could hear a dog inside the property but could not see one.

He left a note at the flat asking the occupant to contact him and returned two days later and again heard a dog. He decided to call gardaí, who forced entry into the property.

Emaciated terrier

Inside he found an emaciated terrier covered in its own excrement. A bucket filled with water had been left beside the dog but it was unable to drink from it as it was too tall for the pup to reach.

“The dog was in a poor state. Its backbone was protruding and its ribs were prominent,” said Insp McGinley.

He traced owner McGranaghan to her mother’s home but she had claimed she had sold the dog.

She later admitted she had not - but claimed she had fed the dog two days earlier.

Judge Paul Kelly said the way the dog was treated was “an appalling thing to do to an unfortunate defenceless animal”.

Veterinary fees

The case was adjourned until Monday to allow McGranaghan to pay €400 in veterinary fees.

Solicitor for the accused, Kieran O’Gorman, said his client had been the victim of online abuse since the case had been publicised.

Judge Paul Kelly condemned those who engaged in such abuse from behind a keyboard and noted that such people were often more concerned about the treatment of animals than they are about humans.

Nonetheless, he added, there was a serious issue to be addressed and he fined McGranaghan €200 and banned her from keeping dogs for four years.

The court also heard that he dog has since made a full recovery.