Two brothers have been charged with animal cruelty for keeping about 50 puppies lying in their own excrement without food, water or fresh air in the back of two cars.
The animals, aged between three and eight weeks, had been recovered and were taken into safety by gardaí and officers from the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA). It followed searches of two cars on October 9th last, on the Old Malahide Road in north Dublin.
The puppies were located in boxes in the rear of both vehicles and included a number of cocker and springer spaniels, terrier, beagle and labrador breeds along with several Jack Russells. They were then placed into the care of the DSPCA.
Reuben Burton (32) and Rico Lee Burton (21), both from Stone Meadows, Carrington, Manchester, who were arrested at the scene, appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday on animal cruelty charges. They were charged under the Protection of Animals Act.
The brothers, who travelled over from England to attend the brief hearing yesterday, did not address the court.
Judge Patricia McNamara heard that directions from the DPP had yet to be obtained. The pair were remanded on bail to appear again on a date in January. A conviction can result in fines and possible jail sentences.
Both were granted free legal aid after the court heard that they are unemployed.
