A Co Monaghan couple who operate a puppy farm and provide kennelling facilities at their premises near the Border were each fined €250 by Judge Flann Brennan at Ballybay District Court for keeping animals in unsuitable conditions.
The case against Séamus and Kathleen McQuaid, Arclintagh, Clontibret, was adjourned from an earlier sitting to allow the couple time to reduce the number of animals in their care and to improve facilities.
A veterinary officer told the court the McQuaids were ordered to reduce the number of female breeding dogs to 20, which they had since done so. He said facilities at the farm had been well improved since the prosecution was initially taken.
The court was told the couple made a payment of €2,000 to Monaghan County Council, as previously directed.
A defence lawyer said the situation at the premises was very considerably improved.
He said that the McQuaids were distressed by the case, and they wanted to point out that the dogs were never left without food or water, and that the only problem was one of overcrowding and insufficient accommodation.