More than 200 animals removed from one Kildare home by ISCPA

MORE THAN 200 animals were removed from a single property by the ISPCA recently.
The home in Co Kildare was housing 207 animals, including 25 dogs, 95 rabbits, 58 guinea pigs, 22 hamsters, 4 mice, 1 terrapin, 1 turtle and 1 corn snake.
Their removal came after a call was made to the charity's National Animal Cruelty Helpline from someone concerned for the welfare of several animals being kept at the property.
ISPC Inspector Jimmy McCormack discovered a 'serious animal overpopulation and overcrowding problem'.
'Animals of various species were being bred, and also retained, with the result that the numbers grew out of control,' a statement from the charity said.
There were over 25 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, including four puppies, living in the kitchen of the house.
'The dogs appeared to be friendly and in generally good health but the noise from their barking was deafening and the environment was extremely stressful,' it said.
There were also hamsters, mice, a corn snake, a slider terrapin and a musk turtle in the house.
In an outside shed, a large numbers of rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters were found confined in overcrowded rusty cages stacked on top of each other.
Although basic food, bedding and water was being provided, the conditions were considered 'wholly inadequate'.
Advertisement
'The shed was dark with little natural light and ventilation was poor. Several of the rabbits were sneezing and some had runny eyes, and guinea pigs and rabbits were housed together which is not recommended,' the ISPCA said.
'In addition to the pet animals in the shed, wild mice were also living there and burrowing through the straw.'
Due to the extent of the problem, assistance was required from the Dublin SPCA, Cork SPCA and other animal welfare charities, and a large-scale rescue operation was mounted.
The ISPCA said that the people living in the home 'fully acknowledged' that the numbers of animals had become too much for them.
It said they cooperated fully with the removal of the animals and complied with all instructions given by ISPCA Inspectors.
Subsequent veterinary examinations found that several of the small animals had respiratory issues, their nails were overgrown and one of the rabbits 'had to have faeces caked on its back end clipped away'.
'Sadly, two of the rabbits had neurological issues and were euthanised on veterinary advice.'
Chief Inspector Dowling said it was a 'shock' to see such a volume of animals in a small space.
'Most of the small animals lived their lives in a dark, dirty mouse infested shed with insufficient room to hop around and exhibit natural behaviour,' he said.
'The situation should never have been allowed to get so out of hand but thankfully we were able to intervene before the physical health of the animals deteriorated further.
'Our priority is the welfare of the animals involved, but we also must be mindful of working with vulnerable people.'
If members of the public have concern for an animals welfare, they can call the National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Irish Daily Mirror

04-06-2025

• Irish Daily Mirror

RTE Liveline search heats up as reality star tipped to replace Joe Duffy

TV and radio host Brian Dowling has been tipped to take over Liveline. RTE star Joe Duffy confirmed he is set to retire from the station later this month, with his last Liveline broadcast set for Friday, June 27. Rumours of Duffy's successors include Daithi O Se and Jennifer Zamparelli – but now Celebrity Big Brother star Brian Dowling has also been thrown into the mix. According to Ladbrokes, Dowling is now 6/1 to take over from Joe after the Kildare native announced he would no longer be co-hosting his 98FM show with Suzanne Kane from this Friday. Dowling indicated he will continue on the Six O'clock Show and will continue to film the Salvage Squad this summer. Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes commented: 'Brian Dowling could be the ideal candidate to fill in for Joe Duffy when he leaves Liveline. He has definitely got the personality and punters think he may have an outside chance of landing in the hottest seat in Irish radio right now.' Speaking about her departure, Suzanne said: 'A little life update (isn't that what they call it?) After nearly 5 years, l'm stepping away from my role presenting 10AM to 1PM on 98FM. Anyone who knows me, will know how much I adore radio and the Bauer family inside Marconi house, but for now, it's time to let the 'Good Times' roll for someone else. 'A word to the amazing team, I loved the madness and radio nerdiness that we all shared and how much we cared. Radio is really special and that's because of the people who do the heavy lifting to make it all come together. I'm glad to have been on this rollercoaster with you all. 'To everyone who listened to the show. I loved sharing my life and my kids with the soundest listeners on 98FM. We've been through a lot together & thank you for always turning up for me, it means more than any of you will know.' She continued: 'Lastly, a quick word to my kiddos Oisín, Hannah & Sadie. Thank you for letting me have a go of my dream radio job and playing ball every morning, even the really tough ones, so I could be in front of the mic by 10am and of course, Joey- the voice of support, the constant, the reassurance, who always has the reminder 'We'll figure it out, we always do'.' Dowling added his statement, writing on Instagram: "When I joined Suzanne back in March of 2023, I had ZERO radio hosting skills. Blake was only 6 months old & baby Blu was only a twinkle in our eyes. It took me a minute to get into my new groove, but when I did, WOW, I honestly have had the best time & have genuinely laughed every day; even on those bad days, being part of this show ALWAYS puts a smile on my face. "Here we are now 2 years & 3 months later & I'm still laughing & smiling. I have learned so much about an industry I've been in for nearly 24 years, presenting mainly television shows but now my love for radio easily equals my love for telly. A MASSIVE HEARTFELT. Thank you to the team, Russell and Cathal. You guys make the show what it is, and especially to you, Pat Gill, for making this experience UTTERLY JOYFUL for me. Also, to you, James Brownlow, thanks for taking the risk on me. "It has never ever felt like work; I mean, how could it when I'm playing the likes of Britney, S Club & JLO, to name but a few. I am so looking forward to a slower Summer; I'm not actually sure if I can operate on a slower pace."

RTÉ News​

03-06-2025

• RTÉ News​

Lilywhites ready to bloom in maiden Joe McDonagh Cup final

It's been a busy few years for Brian Dowling. Aside from managing the Kildare senior hurlers, was also involved with St Kieran's College's Leinster schools' winning team this year following two All-Ireland titles as manager of the Kilkenny camogie team. Now Dowling is working the oracle with the Lilywhite hurlers as they head to Croke Park this Sunday for their first Joe McDonagh Cup final (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player) as a result of four successive wins in the group stages of the competition. They meet Laois who they beat by 11 points - 4-20 to 1-18 - at O'Moore Park, but Dowling says that win will count for nothing on Sunday. "We'll have to raise our level again," he says. "Beating Laois the last day will count for nothing; they are in the exact same position as us now. They are a top-class team with a brilliant manager in Tommy Fitzgerald and a brilliant coach in Niall Corcoran and it will be a great game, I think. Two very good teams will be going hell for leather." Back in 2018, at the annual Kildare GAA convention a 32-page, five-year strategic plan was launched. The Kildare Hurling Action Plan was divided into three main strands – club hurling development, club-school links, and building a club hurling profile. The hurling community in the county wanted to increase numbers playing the game to a high standard. They wanted top-flight league hurling for the county team and there was always the objective of doing well in the Joe McDonagh Cup. Back then they were in Division 2B. Now they have promotion to Division 1B secure and Sunday's McDonagh Cup to look forward to. Behind the scenes former Kildare full-back and county GDA John Doran is driving development and this year's Under-20 side had 11 clubs represented. "We targeted to get to the top two this year," Dowling said. "We felt if things went well, we could get there. "After losing to Kerry it didn't look like it would happen but as the year went we were delighted. We are always seeing improvements but things to work on also. "Winning the Westmeath was a tough game; a big one and it was there to be won. From there we are hurling with confidence." Dowling said he was delighted to get the job and following consultation with his friend and predecessor, David Herity, he felt there was a chance to do something. "It was nice in one way to play Christy Ring last year as we had the chance to get things going. "We could build the thing from there and this year we were promoted to Division 1B, but it's all coming from an incredible effort by different people. "On the pitch the players work hard three nights a week but then focus on video work, S&C and ball-wall sessions outside training. "Outside of the team there are a lot of good people involved - this progress hasn't just happened, and Colm Nolan, Adrian Kinsella and Eoin Stapleton have put in a huge amount of work at development and underage level, alongside John Doran. "It's great to see these people after matches and see how happy they are. But we have another huge test on Sunday and that's all we are focused on."

The Journal

16-05-2025

• The Journal

Twelve puppies were left for dead in a Carlow woodland, one survived

AN ISPCA INSPECTOR was told there were dead puppies in a woodland in Co Carlow earlier this week, when she arrived at the scene she found the bodies of eleven deceased dogs, but one that survived. Senior Inspector Fiona Conlon made her way through the remote and overgrown woodlands in the Carrigpark, Garryhill area in Co Carlow on Tuesday. She scrambled down a dangerous bank, 'where she discovered what appeared to be several deceased puppies, scattered on the ground', the ISPCA said. 'But, as Fiona got closer, she could hear distressed whimpering from one of the puppies.' The puppy, who was only two or three days old, was found with wounds to her paws and underbelly caused by crawling through the dense undergrowth in the forest. She's been given the name Arya. 'Like the character in Game of Thrones after whom she was named, Arya is a fighter,' a spokesperson for the ISPCA said. Arya was 'very cold and barely breathing'. Inspector Conlon put Arya under her jumper to warm her up, as she gathered the other eleven puppies and checked to see if they were breathing. Advertisement 'Sadly, the others were already deceased.' Arya was rushed to the nearby Barrowvale veterinary practice in Bagnalstown, where she received urgent treatment. The vet took her home to administer round-the-clock care and monitor her overnight. Once the puppy was well enough to travel, she was transferred to the ISPCA's Centre in Wicklow, 'where she has been hand-reared by devoted animal care assistant Linda and is thriving', the ISPCA said. 'It was a shocking sight to witness and not only was it illegal, but it was heartless, cowardly and inhumane, to abandon defenceless newborn puppies who had no hope of survival,' said inspector Conlon. 'We are concerned for the dog who gave birth, she will be grieving her puppies and likely suffering from mastitis,' she added. 'It was bitter-sweet that we were able to save one puppy from a horrendous fate, but its heart-warming to see this little survivor doing so well in ISPCA care. Once she is a little older, we will be seeking a new responsible home for her, where she will be loved and cared for'. Conlon also gave 'huge thanks to the kind-hearted member of the public who discovered the puppies and reached out for help'. The ISPCA has urged dog owners to get their pets neutered or spayed as soon as they are of age in order prevent overpopulation. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal