A Cork man is banned from owning dogs for 15 years after neglecting Rocky, his Lurcher, who now has recovered and is rehomed.
Trevor O’Connor, 57, went to court and pleaded guilty to animal welfare crimes. These crimes involved a Lurcher dog named Rocky.
The ISPCA brought the case to court after a report about a distressed dog. The ISPCA sent Inspector Caroline Faherty to O’Connor’s home.
It was October 9th, 2023, when Inspector Faherty went to his house. She found Rocky in a dirty, overgrown garden with a bad skin issue. His face, ears, and back were full of sores, and his skin was raw, bleeding, and hot.
Rocky went to a vet right away, who said he was too thin. He had sarcoptic mange that went untreated, causing hair loss and skin infections. The vet thought the condition caused constant pain.
Inspector Faherty spoke to O’Connor later, who admitted owning the dog for a year. He knew about the skin issue the whole time but never took Rocky to a vet. He said he planned to, but work got in the way, claiming he tried cream, but the dog ran.
The judge called it “pure neglect.” After treatment, Rocky was rehomed. The judge ordered community service and a fine, adding that O’Connor can’t own dogs for 15 years either.
Inspector Faherty said mange is easy to treat, and Rocky’s suffering was needless. She stated if you can’t care for an animal, don’t get one.
The ISPCA urges people to report animal cruelty by calling 0818 515 515 or emailing helpline@ispca.ie.