'Endured a level of starvation:' Limerick horse owner convicted of animal cruelty

FIONA Hickey with an address at Carrigoreilly, Caherconlish, Co. Limerick failed to appear before Judge Brian O’Shea to face charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013 in relation to a chestnut gelding horse, now named 'Mac,' at Clonmel District Court last Wednesday.

Judge O’Shea elected to hear the evidence in absentia and ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey told the court how the horse was dropped to a yard in Co. Waterford by Ms Hickey in January 2024, in order to be broken. Due to concerns regarding the animal’s condition, the Department of Agriculture and the ISPCA were alerted.

Inspector Lacey described viewing the horse which she said was in extremely poor body condition. She could see that his spine, ribs, and pin bones were easily visible, he had extensive rain scald on his back, and his hooves were overgrown. She seized the horse pending further enquiries.

A veterinary examination confirmed Inspector Lacey’s concerns with a vet giving the opinion that Mac’s physical condition was “extremely poor with obvious bony prominence of the ribs and pelvis.” The vet further said that he had “endured a level of starvation," had “suffered unnecessarily” and had been “subjected to cruelty.”

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Senior Inspector Lacey told the court that she made contact with the defendant by telephone and described subsequent interactions with Ms Hickey as “very difficult.” She said that the accused made admissions regarding ownership of the horse in question, described the animal as “dangerous” and said that, by seizing Mac, Inspector Lacey was “doing an injustice to the horse.”

An email from the defendant was read in court in which she denied owning the horse. But Judge O’Shea convicted Ms Hickey on all four counts in her absence, fined her a total of €4,000, and ordered that she pay ISPCA costs of €4,385.60. He also ordered forfeiture of the seized horse to the ISPCA. 

ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey commented: "Mac was subjected to a level of neglect which no animal should ever have to face." This case demonstrates the consequences of failing to provide adequate care and treatment for the animals in our care and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.”

The ISPCA urges the public to report any suspicions of animal cruelty, neglect or abuse to its confidential National Animal Cruelty Helpline by calling 0818 515 515, reporting online here or by emailing helpline@ispca.ie. Together, we can continue to protect Ireland’s most vulnerable animals and bringing those who harm them to justice.

Animal Welfare Inspectors work tirelessly in challenging situations rescuing vulnerable animals that are suffering, just like Mac. Please consider making a life-saving donation today to support their vital rescue and rehabilitation work here.