Limerick Farmer Convicted of Animal Cruelty

​www.msn.com/en-ie/news/newsireland/farmer-found-guilty-after-almost-40-dogs-chained-and-neglected-on-property/ar-AAAsv8n?li=BBr5HCU&ocid=mailsignout

A farmer living in Limerick Ireland was convicted of animal cruelty after an investigation discovered nearly 40 dogs chained outside living in substandard conditions. The investigation also discovered two dogs and one puppy that were deceased on the property. I'm super grateful that they were turned on to this property and appropriate action was taken to rescue the remaining dogs, most of which were collies. He was dinged with over 2000 euros in fines and a ban on owning dogs for 18 months. Here's the problem I have with this.

The fines to me are a good enough deterrent although I would've slapped him with a heftier fine to truly demonstrate that what he did is no acceptable. My problem is with the 18 month ban on owning dogs, is 18 months truly enough time to be banned from owning the very same animals he left chained outside, covered in fleas, lethargic from lack of care? In my opinion, the answer is no. Someone who has nearly 40 dogs in poor condition needs to be banned from owning dogs period. What will change in 18 months? I highly doubt that this man will have learned a valuable lesson and will probably eagerly snatch up more dogs once he's allowed.

Finally, there dead dogs and one dead puppy also discovered. This now changes the situation from neglect to something entirely different. Living creatures died under his care, does this not warrant a lifetime ban on owning dogs? These animals relied on him for care and died waiting to be cared for. Dogs are so intelligent and my thoughts are that they died thinking that no one cared about them. It's utterly heartbreaking to me and it's especially heartbreaking to think that this man will have access to dogs again in less than 2 years.

Big thanks to the ISPCA for getting in there and saving the remaining dogs! Hopefully, at the very least, these animals will have an opportunity to feel true love from deserving families after this horrific experience.

What do you guys think? Do you think this warranted a lifetime ban on owning dogs?

HAPPY VEG