Limerick dog owner stole bags of dog food from Tesco to feed new-born puppies

A 50-YEAR-OLD dog owner in Newcastle West was convicted for stealing four bags of dog food following his dog giving birth to puppies. 

Michael O’Connell, with a home address at Oak Crescent, Gorthboy, Newcastle West, was before the district court for taking €32 worth of dog food from Tesco in Newcastle West on September 18, 2025. 

Mr O’Connell said in his defence that his dog had recently given birth to puppies and that is why he stole four bags of dog food.  

The man said by way of explanation, that he fed the dog food to the dogs, which was why the feed has not been recovered to Tesco. 

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Newcastle West District Court heard that the man has 41 previous convictions, including 11 theft charges, public order offences, four no insurance offences, a deception offence, two criminal damage offences, an assault, and a historic larceny charge. 

Prosecuting Inspector Gearóid Thompson told the court that the man’s most recent previous conviction was a theft in 2023. 

Solicitor John Lynch said in mitigation that Mr O’Connell is on disability allowance and that he has had over 60 operations for his condition. Mr Lynch also outlined that two years ago his ex partner passed away, and said: “It speaks for itself. It’s a sad state of affairs.”

Judge Carol Ann Coolican asked the man’s solicitor: “How long will it take him to pay €100 to the poor box?”, and adjourned the case to February 24, 2026, to see if the man has paid the money ordered.

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme