Horse neglect, no food or water, 1 found dead
Galway, IR (UK)Date: Apr 7, 2004
Disposition: Convicted
Abuser/Suspect: Patrick Melia
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A cruel horse dealer / farmer was fined ?600 on the 8th of December 2004 by Galway District Court. Mr. Patrick Melia of Cloonboo, Co. Galway was convicted on two counts of cruelty under the Protection of Animals Act 1911.
On the 7th of April 2004 Inspector Mark Beazley of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) was called on to inspect the premises of Mr. Melia whom was reported to have a dead horse exposed on his land. On inspection of the premises Mr. Beazely was faced with a horrific scene of neglect and cruelty. There were a number of cattle trailers on the premises containing horses, ponies and calves with no visible food or water.
A bay gelding, in the first of Mr. Melias' stables, lay unresponsive, breathing heavily and lathered in sweat. The gelding was twitching uncontrollably with its legs locked straight out and it was unable to lift its neck.
Inspector Beazley was next confronted with a chestnut mare lying dead together with a two year old Piebald Stallion. Upon examination the Piebald stallion was found to be extremely emaciated with large open sores extending to most of its body. There was a strong stench from these sores, which indicated widespread infection. At the rear of the building another grey
mare was found dead. Mr. Melia admitted the animal had been there for a day or two.
Inspector Beazley immediately contacted the local Gardai and two veterinary surgeons to assist him on the premises. The veterinary surgeons agreed that the bay gelding, due to the extent of its condition, had to be immediately put to sleep to prevent further suffering. The Piebald stallion was unfortunately so weak and thin it was unable to sustain its fight for survival.
Mr Beazley commented, "While the ISPCA welcomes the conviction of Mr. Melia, the Society would have hoped that a ban on keeping animals would have been imposed in a case such as this. Of particular concern was the fact that veterinary care was not sought despite the evident suffering of the horses". References | ISPCA - September 12, 2004 |
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