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Sunday World
11-07-2025
- Sunday World
Dog breeder avoids jail on appeal of three-month sentence in animal neglect case
COMMUNITY SERVICE | Vasyl Fedoryn (41), a Ukrainian man with Irish citizenship, living at Ballypierce, Charleville, had pleaded guilty earlier this year at Mallow District Court to a total of nine breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 on April 21, 2023, in relation to 13 dogs he was breeding at his home. Vasyl Fedoryn (41), a Ukrainian man with Irish citizenship, living at Ballypierce, Charleville, had pleaded guilty earlier this year at Mallow District Court to a total of nine breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 on April 21, 2023, in relation to 13 dogs he was breeding at his home. Judge Colm Roberts sentenced Fedoryn to five months in jail with two months suspended, fined him €500, ordered him to pay costs of €16,450 to the ISPCA to cover the veterinary and dental costs as well as vaccination and grooming costs while he also ordered him to pay the Dept's legal costs of €3,000. But Fedoryn, represented by Charleville solicitor, Denis Linehan lodged an appeal against the custodial part of the sentence and the case came up for hearing last week before Judge Helen Boyle at Mallow Circuit Appeal, sitting at the Anglesea Street Courthouse in Cork. ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspector, Caroline Faherty told the court how the dogs she found in two sheds on Fedoryn's property were the worst she had ever encountered with the animals being kept in the dark with no light and no bedding and being forced to lie in their own faeces. Ms Faherty said she found a German Shepherd bitch and four pups in one shed where they had no water and when she filled a bowl with water, the bitch, who was lactating, was so dehydrated she started gulping the water down at such a rate she had to remove the bowl in case she became ill. The matted state of one of the dogs rescued from the property. Animal Welfare Inspect Caroline Faherty said it was the 'worst' case of animal neglect she had ever encountered in her career. She was commended by the judge for having saved the dogs from what would likely have been a slow and painful death. News in 90 Seconds - July 11th She found three German Shepherd pups and five Collie pups in another shed with no light, no bedding and their coats matted from lying in their own excrement, while the lack of stimulation had resulted in the Collies being so nervous that they tried to bite her and were feral. 'It was absolutely horrific the state that I found the dogs in – I still have nightmares of going into the shed,' said Ms Faherty, adding the three German Shepherd pups could not walk properly and were instead walking on their back knees as they were malnourished and had no leg-muscle mass. Ms Faherty became upset as she described the state of the animals and conditions that she found them in and said such was the stench of urine and faeces, she found herself retching and had to leave the shed several times to get air. She wrote up a seizure notice on the spot and she and her colleagues in the ISPCA removed the dogs from both sheds but three of the Collie pups were so feral they could not be rehabilitated and had to be euthanized while one of the German Shepherds also had to be euthanized. Collies and German shepherds were intelligent working dogs and needed to be exercised and socialised, but Fedoryn's dogs were left locked up in small sheds without regular food or water and became emaciated and their coats became matted with faeces and infested with maggots. What made the situation even more distressing was the fact there was plenty of bedding and food for the dogs on the property, but Fedoryn had given neither to the animals. 'I asked him why he hadn't, and he said he was going to do this, that and the other for the dogs but he didn't.' Ms Faherty said that Fedoryn saw nothing wrong with the way he was treating the dogs and was 'completely unrepentant' about his care of them and he later breached an undertaking not to keep any animals at his holding when she found that he had begun keeping cats there. Defence barrister, Paula McCarthy BL said her client had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, had no previous convictions and had been of good behaviour since while she pointed out he was not appealing the €500 fine, dog rehabilitation costs of €16,450 and legal costs of €3,000. Ms McCarthy acknowledged her client had not appreciated the seriousness of the matter when it was first brought to his attention, but he now accepted the gravity of his offending and was remorseful while she pointed out a probation report found he was at a low risk of re-offending. She said that he was working full time as a truck driver and if he were to get a custodial sentence, he would lose his job and that would have repercussions for his young son for although he and his wife were separated, he was supporting his son financially. Ms McCarthy also submitted that the courts had acknowledged that custodial sentences can be more difficult for foreign nationals than for Irish people as they don't have the same family support in terms of visits as she pleaded with Judge Boyle not to jail him. Judge Boyle said she needed time to consider the matter and remanded Fedoryn in custody over lunch to consider the matter and when she returned, she said she hoped that he appreciated what being in custody was like. 'You have spent some time in a prison cell. I felt I had to show you the inside of a prison cell because of what you did,' said Judge Boyle before allowing the appeal and suspending the full five-month sentence on condition he completes 240 hours community service. Judge Boyle singled out Ms Faherty for praise, saying that if it was not for her work and her decision to remove the dogs, she had no doubt but that all 13 dogs and puppies belonging to Fedoryn at his property would have died. 'Ms Faherty is to be commended for saving the lives of these dogs – some had to be euthanised later, but a veterinary inspector was of the opinion that they would all have died and died a slow painful death from neglect if Ms Faherty had not removed them. 'Dogs obviously need to be fed and watered, but they also need to be exercised and stimulated, and they need love and care and attention, and they got none of these under your care,' Judge Boyle told Fedoryn as she allowed his appeal.
Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Cork-resident dog breeder escapes jail on appeal of three-month sentence in animal neglect case
Corkman Today at 09:34 A North Cork dog breeder has escaped jail after a judge allowed his appeal against a three-month sentence over the neglect of his dogs and puppies, and ordered him instead to do 240 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month long custodial term. Vasyl Fedoryn (41), a Ukrainian man with Irish citizenship, living at Ballypierce, Charleville, had pleaded guilty earlier this year at Mallow District Court to a total of nine breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 on April 21, 2023, in relation to 13 dogs he was breeding at his home.
RTÉ News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Farmers call for changes to protect livestock from dog attacks
Farming organisations have called for measures including DNA testing, disqualification from dog ownership, and a ban on non-working dogs on hills and farmland to help protect livestock from dog attacks. Addressing the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, Vice President of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association (INHFA) John Joe Fitzgerald said the level of dog attacks on livestock has reached "crisis point". Mr Fitzgerald said INHFA members have reported "increasing levels of concern and complaints from farmers with regard to recreational walkers bringing their dogs onto farmlands [including our hills] and when asked to remove them, they become highly abusive and threatening, which in some instances has led to physical violence". He said a Government-funded national database should be established to collate "all information on dogs, including dog licence, microchipping and DNA samples from each dog". 'Roaming patrols' The INHFA also wants to see "roaming patrols" to monitor any loose dogs on hills or near farmland. Also addressing the committee, Sheep Chair of the Irish Farmers' Association Adrian Gallagher said dog owners who fail to keep their pets under control should be disqualified from dog ownership. He said the option exists for the courts to disbar ownership of protected animals if there is a failure to comply with welfare obligations in the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. "Given the devastation caused by an increasing number of dog attacks on sheep in particular, zero tolerance has to be the policy. The Animal Health and Welfare Act sanctions should be extended to irresponsible dog owners who allow their pets cause this devastation on farms." Mr Gallagher said the decision to have the Department of Agriculture as the single enforcement authority "is a move in the right direction, but we should have seen this happen long before now". According to the IFA, in 2023 reporting of livestock-worrying incidents rose to 276, a 3% increase on 2022, adding that "many more go unreported". Enforcement 'severely limited' The organisation said enforcement remains "severely limited", with only 80 wardens on the ground throughout the country. Meanwhile, Sheep Chair of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) Willie Shaw told the Agriculture Committee "we've plenty of sheep farmers leaving the industry. We don't need to give them another reason to leave". Mr Shaw also pointed out that just "ten percent of dog attacks on livestock are kills" with sheep worrying a huge issue. He said "DNA testing wouldn't help with this". An example of such a case was mentioned by the INHFA, which said a couple of years ago "a hundred ewes and lambs in Kerry were driven off the edge of a cliff by a dog". Attacks 'detrimental' to livestock welfare Chairperson of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association's (ICMSA) Livestock Committee Michael O'Connell said the effect dog attacks and sheep worrying have on flocks and herds "is very detrimental to the health and welfare of these livestock". "We have seen firsthand from members of the immediate damages in terms of dead and injured sheep, but the long-term effects are equally devastating. "These include physical injuries such as severe bites and lacerations, which may result in death or future physical trauma as well as disabilities to mobility." The ICSMA recommended a 'Dog Control Awareness' programme be launched similar to that originally launched in 2024. Mr O'Connell said dogs "have the potential to cause death, serious injury, serious stress and anxiety to livestock, which the dog may deem to be playing. "Dogs are not responsible for their actions; it is their owners' responsibility to keep them under control. "If the awareness is aimed towards the owners, with emphasis on the damage dogs can do to sheep flocks or cattle herds, it may not be long before there is an improvement to what is a growing problem."
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers advance historic ban on controversial hunting practice: 'If a domestic animal were treated in this way, there would be an outcry'
In a historic move that could help set the tone for wildlife protections across Europe, Ireland's parliament just took its first step toward banning fox hunting — a centuries-old practice that's drawn increasing criticism for its cruelty. According to Agriland, Ireland's Dáil parliament passed the first stage of a bill that would outlaw fox hunting and related practices, amending the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 to ensure such activities "cannot be considered as lawful hunting." The bill, introduced by People Before Profit-Solidarity Teachta Dála Ruth Coppinger, passed by a 113-49 margin and will now move to the second stage for further debate. So, why is this such a big deal? For starters, it could be a game-changer for community health and safety. Fox hunting often involves packs of dogs chasing a single fox for miles before it's cornered or killed. "Foxes are still dug out of the ground and tracked by trained terriers. Foxes are still chased by packs of dogs, sometimes for hours, and torn apart when caught. If a domestic animal were treated in this way, there would be an outcry," Coppinger said. Eliminating this activity is a clear step toward creating a culture of empathy and responsible wildlife stewardship. Hunting bans like this also have a broader ripple effect. They protect local ecosystems, reduce unnecessary animal suffering, and help preserve biodiversity — benefits that ensure natural spaces and species can be enjoyed by future generations. Similar bans in England, Scotland, and Wales have already demonstrated that protecting wildlife doesn't have to mean sacrificing tradition. Of course, not everyone agrees. Some rural lawmakers argue that foxes pose a threat to livestock and native birds and should be considered a pest species. "We need to have some kind of control," said Independent Ireland Teachta Dála Michael Collins, expressing concerns about the bill's impact on rural communities. Critics have called for alternative, humane solutions — such as investing in protective infrastructure for farms or exploring nonlethal deterrents — that strike a better balance between tradition and welfare. Still, the bill's advancement signals growing momentum behind compassionate conservation. It's a reminder that progress doesn't always mean a complete break from the past — sometimes, it means finding a better, kinder way forward. Should the government ban gas stoves? Yes Only in new buildings Only in restaurants No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Agriland
30-05-2025
- Agriland
Court: Woman fined €15,000 and banned from owning animals for life
A circuit court judge has banned a woman from owning animals for life and ordered her to pay €15,000 in costs as a result of 'one of the most appalling cases brought before him'. Karen Sanderson (68) with an address in England, and formerly of The Stables, Templelusk, Avoca, Co. Wicklow, was given a four-and-a-half year suspended prison sentence, banned from owning animals for life, and ordered to pay €15,000 in costs at Bray Circuit Court yesterday (Thursday May, 29). Sanderson had previously pleaded guilty to ten charges, under sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (AHWA). It marked the final chapter in the case which originated from a complaint to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) helpline in 2016. Court As a result of the call a total of 43 animals were removed from Karen Sanderson's rented property on November 18, 2016. ISPCA chief inspector, Conor Dowling, told Bray Circuit Court that when he called to the property Sanderson had rented near Avoca he saw five underweight horses in a dirty yard and mucky arena. In stables off the same yard, he also found a wild boar in a 'filthy stable and a pig that was unable to stand in another'. The court was told that neither of the animals had access to water or a clean lying area. In three other stables twelve dogs were discovered living in squalid conditions, with no bedding or water. Inspector Dowling also told the court that there was a 'horrendous smell' from the stables and how he saw ripped up remains of dog food bags scattered around. He also detailed that a german shepherd housed in a group of five dogs was only days away from whelping and that she later produced nine puppies, some of which were deformed and none of which survived. The inspector outlined how another dog was an aged Mastiff with chronic osteoarthritis and an old injury, rendering one of his legs useless. Euthanised Bray Circuit Court was told that this dog was euthanised approximately a week later, on veterinary advice. ISPCA chief inspector also described to the court that when he visited Karen Sanderson's rented property on November 18, 2016 he had proceeded up a metal stair to the door of a loft dwelling. He said that the stair and the roof of the building were covered in dog faeces and that he formed the opinion that excrement was being thrown out of Velux windows in the roof. When he knocked on the door of the dwelling, he heard more barking and shouting noises from inside, and decided to request assistance garda assistance. The court was told that gardaí arrived at the scene and made contact with the accused, Karen Sanderson. The ISPCA chief inspector then described how, when the door of the dwelling was opened, dogs came 'spilling' down the stairs. A further 31 dogs, including some giant breeds, were found living in on the property in what the Inspector described a, 'a stressful and chaotic environment'. Inspector Dowling said that there was faecal matter on every surface in the dwelling, and the stench of ammonia was so strong that according to the ISPCA it hurt his eyes and made it difficult for him to breathe. He described how there was a pool of urine in the hallway and a video was played for the court in which the accused tried to claim that the dogs had just urinated when the investigators had called at the door. The court was also shown photographs of a selection of animals including a Cocker Spaniel that could not use its hind legs and was dragging itself through the soiled environment, and a Mastiff which had an injury to its toe so severe that some of the bone was protruding, and the dog was gnawing at the exposed bone. The Mastiff required surgery to amputate its toe. It was agreed that most of the animals needed to be removed from the premises immediately, and chief inspector Dowling enlisted the help of Wicklow SPCA, Wicklow Dog Pound, the Irish Horse Welfare and Trust and Dogs Trust, in removing the animals. A veterinary practitioner attended the scene and recommended that a pig that could not stand, be euthanised to prevent further suffering. The court was also told that subsequent veterinary examinations of the animals removed from the premises revealed a catalogue of health issues including injuries, flea infestation, ear mites, worms, skin irritation, matted and soiled coats, ear infections, chronic arthritis, cherry eye, mud fever and rain scald. Inspector Dowling said that, while the pig and the two geriatric Mastiffs were euthanised, the majority of the animals had made full recoveries. On sentencing, Judge Patrick Quinn described the case as, 'one of the most appalling cases brought before him', and said that all the offending was at the upper end in terms of gravity. He also questioned how it got this far, and how no one could notice what was going on, not just for the animals but for the defendant too. Judge Quinn said that the accumulation of more and more animals in the space of three or four years would have contributed to the defendant being overwhelmed to the point that she could not cope and became a welfare concern for the animals as well as a mental health issue for herself. Judge Quinn handed down a suspended sentence of four and a half years for each count, to run concurrently, and banned the woman from owning animals for life; she was also ordered to pay €15,000 in costs, to be paid within twelve months as a condition of the bond. ISPCA Commenting on the outcome of the case, Conor Dowling, ISPCA chief inspector said he was relieved that it had reached a successful conclusion with the animal owner held accountable before the courts. 'We are always mindful of working with vulnerable people, but our priority is for the welfare of the animals involved. 'This situation should never have been allowed to develop as it did, where animals were left to suffer. 'Anyone who chooses to keep animals has both a legal and moral responsibility to adequately care for them, and if you are unable to do so, you should seek help,' he added. The ISPCA wants anyone who has suspicions of animal cruelty, neglect or abuse to report this on its confidential National Animal Cruelty Helpline by calling 0818 515 515, emailing helpline@ or via its website.
