A county Meath couple have been given two-month prison sentences and banned from keeping animals for life after they admitted cruelty to dogs.

At Navan District Court, on Friday 18th July 2025, Kevin Horace and Kayla Rafferty with an address at 20 Oaklawns, Clogherboy Park, Navan, Co Meath pleaded guilty to six offences each under sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The charges related to two emaciated dogs, one of which died, due to its neglect.

The court heard evidence that ISPCA Inspector James McCormack called to the defendants’ address on 26th February 2024, in response to a report received. He saw two dogs in the back garden, both of which were in poor condition and one already deceased and lying by the back door. There was no food, water or shelter available, and there was a black discharge from the dead dog’s rear.

The Inspector spoke to Horace and Rafferty under caution, and they admitted joint ownership of the dead dog, a long-haired terrier that had been named Bruno.

Ms Rafferty claimed ownership of the other dog, a Collie cross pup called Sheba. They conceded that the dogs had not been checked since the previous day, although it was lunchtime when the Inspector called, and they were not aware that Bruno had died. There was dog food and a bowl of water inside the house, but the dogs did not have access to them. 

The two dogs were removed for veterinary assessment, and both were found to be extremely underweight with body condition scores of just one out of nine. Their bones were prominent, and the stomach of the deceased dog was found to be empty other than for sharp pieces of plastic and dark black digestive juices. Their conditions were attributed to starvation. 

The court was furnished with photographs taken by Inspector McCormack and heard that there was clear evidence that the two dogs had been neglected, in total disregard as to their health and welfare, and exposed to unnecessary suffering over a prolonged period of time.

It was also revealed that the two accused were offered the opportunity to take part in a formal interview but refused, stating that they were “too busy”.

Ms. Justice Eirinn McKiernan decided that the only appropriate sentence for the offences was a custodial sentence and she sentenced both Defendants to imprisonment for a term of two months on one offence with all other charges taken into consideration. She refused requests from Ms Rafferty’s defence solicitor to suspend her sentence, even temporarily.

Judge McKiernan also made two disqualification orders banning both Mr. Horace and Ms. Rafferty from owning, having any interest in, keeping, dealing in or having charge or control, directly or indirectly, of an animal, for life. 

Reflecting on the case, Inspector McCormack commented: "It was shocking to find Bruno dead in the yard, lying against the back door. His only hope was the occupants of the house, and they never came. Instead, he died in the yard from starvation, with only plastic in his stomach. He was failed utterly - a loyal companion left in the yard like unwanted trash”. 

He added: “Sheba the pup was lucky that the call was made. Although very underweight, she got out in time, recovered fully, and now lives in a loving home. Sheba got a chance that her companion did not. I would encourage anyone to report any incidents of cruelty. We are there to help, sometimes the only voice they have”.

The ISPCA urges the public to continue reporting any suspicions of animal cruelty or neglect to its National Animal Cruelty Helpline by calling 0818 515 515, email helpline@ispca.ie or report online here: https://ispca.ie/report-cruelty/.

If you can, please support the ISPCA by making a life-saving donation today to help rescue more animals from appalling situations such as this. You can donate at https://ispca.ie/donations/