A Dublin man whose pregnant horse was found starving and "on the verge of death" was fined £200 yesterday. The man was also disqualified for seven years from keeping a horse. Patrick Boylan (29), of Bawnlea Avenue, Jobstown, Tallaght, had pleaded not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his horse.
Garda Brendan Kelly told Tallaght District Court the horse had been seized at Bawnlea Avenue under the Control of Horses Act on January 14th. The DSPCA was called as a result of a conversation he had with staff at the pound where the horse was being kept.
Inspector Robert Kenny, of the DSPCA, went to the pound on January 15th. "The horse was in an extremely emaciated condition and most of her bones and ribs were protruding," he said.
Mr Peadar O Scanaill, a veterinary surgeon, said the horse had been emaciated when he examined her on January 16th. She had lymphangitis (a swelling of the limbs), lice on her coat, a punctured sole on her left front foot and she was suspected of having lung disease.
Boylan, who defended himself, said he had been feeding the horse when she was taken away. "There is contempt in this court against me," he added.
Judge Sean Delap said he was satisfied the horse was on the verge of death. He fined Boylan £200 and ordered him to pay £200 expenses.