A Dublin woman has been sentenced to jail after her Jack Russell dog suffered from a ruptured tumor that had gone untreated for months. Martina Kelly, a mother of three, was convicted under the Animal Health and Welfare Act for causing unnecessary suffering and failing to safeguard the welfare of her 10-year-old dog, Lucky. The court heard that the tumor, which was described as being the size of a “huge grapefruit,” ruptured, leaving the dog fighting for its life.
Kelly, who resides on Ballyfermot Avenue, Dublin 10, pleaded guilty to the charges. She was sentenced to six months in prison, with the last two months suspended. The case, described as “shocking” by Judge Anthony Halpin, highlighted the severe neglect endured by the dog, which was reportedly in “severe pain” for an extended period before receiving treatment.
The Case Against Kelly
The prosecution, led by Sarah Reid BL, described the case as “harrowing” due to the extreme level of neglect. The incident began when Lucky started bleeding heavily on October 28, 2023. Three days later, Kelly contacted the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) and offered to surrender the dog.
When DSPCA inspector Shane Lawlor arrived at Kelly’s home, he found Lucky in critical condition with a large, ruptured growth. The dog was bleeding, lethargic, and unresponsive. Lawlor ranked the injury as “extreme” and stated it was likely the result of prolonged suffering. Kelly told investigators that the tumor had been present for several months, but she had not sought veterinary care because she couldn’t get an appointment during the bank holiday weekend.
Despite the long duration of the issue, Kelly did not take advantage of available resources, such as discounted veterinary services from the DSPCA. The charity offers support to pet owners who are financially constrained and had offered to help transport the dog, but Kelly declined.
Veterinary Assessment
Veterinarian Dr. Elise O’Byrne White, who examined Lucky, confirmed that the tumor had been growing slowly for at least six months before rupturing. The tumor was described as “slow-growing,” and its rupture was likely caused by its size. Dr. O’Byrne White stated that treatment for the condition would have cost approximately €130, which is considered a standard veterinary fee.
Following treatment, Lucky recovered and was eventually rehomed. The court also heard that Kelly had repeatedly contacted veterinary clinics, claiming she had difficulty securing an appointment and faced transportation issues due to a lack of a car.
Judge’s Ruling
Judge Halpin acknowledged Kelly’s guilty plea but emphasized the severity of the neglect, which resulted in Lucky’s suffering. He noted that despite Kelly’s claims of difficulty accessing veterinary services, she had failed to act in a timely manner, which endangered the dog’s life. He concluded that while the plea warranted some leniency, the sentence must reflect the seriousness of the offense.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility pet owners have in ensuring their animals receive proper care and attention, and the serious consequences that can arise from neglect.
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