Offaly man sentenced to three months in prison in dog welfare case

A man convicted under the animal welfare act was sentenced to three months imprisonment when he appeared at Tullamore District Court.

PJ Rigney, Little Island, Daingean, was accused of failing to adhere to a welfare notice issued on February 23 2024 in relation to yard and sheds to the rear of a premises at Circular Road, Daingean and premises and lands associated with Little Island Daingean, contrary to the animal and welfare act.

Counsel for Mr Rigney said the dogs were no longer on the premises and had been removed by a third party. He said Mr Rigney's mother is constantly asking where her dogs are.

Offaly County Council was seeking for Mr Rigney to be disqualified from owning dogs.

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Counsel for the accused said Mr Rigney was a man of limited means.

Judge Andrew Cody said he was told he had rental properties.However, his counsel said he was in debt. He said his client was over 60 and he relies on his dogs for ''protection and companionship''.

Judge Cody imposed a sentence of three months in prison and fined the accused €3,690. He also disqualified him from keeping dogs for the rest of his life.

Mr Rigney later lodged an appeal and was free to leave the court.

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