Dog among 56 house of horrors found in feces after being left without water – World News

SOOTHING PICTURES WARNING: Patrick and Michael O’Brien, of Monaman, County Waterford, have pleaded guilty to animal cruelty after 56 dogs were found on their property in “horrible” conditions

A dog was pictured looking fit and healthy after suffering “horrible” conditions alongside 55 other animals, some of whom were caked with feces due to possible inbreeding, were “almost feral” and even blind.

Puppy Lacey was found in October 2020 on a property in Lismore, County Waterford, Ireland with the other dogs living in a house and shed.

Animal rights activists said the animals had been deprived of water and natural light and many were sick. There was a lack of ventilation and with a build-up of faeces it meant an “overpowering stench of ammonia”.

Health problems included untreated skin conditions, malnutrition, bite wounds, and matted fur caked with feces and urine.

Some of the dogs were also blind, believed to be due to inbreeding, as well as fear of human contact, and were “nearly feral” due to little socialization and grooming.

ISPCA Inspector Alice Lacey was there and described it as “extremely challenging and onerous”.

She said: “The smell was indescribable and the living conditions were appalling, most dogs were not used to being outside in the fresh air and shuddered at any sign of human touch.”

Unfortunately, due to the seriousness of their physical and psychological condition, a significant number of the dogs were euthanized to end their suffering.

But a large majority have been successfully rehabilitated after spending significant time in ISPCA care, making full recoveries, and finding loving new homes.

One dog in particular named Lacey looks completely different after being showered with love and care and being returned to a loving owner.

On May 13, brothers Patrick and Michael O’Brien, of Monaman, Lismore, Co. Waterford, pleaded guilty to violations of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

They were sentenced to four months in prison by Judge Brian O’Shea, both brothers were banned from owning dogs for life and ordered to pay £1,330 in costs and £1,979 in veterinary costs.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge O’Shea said the case was “at the high end of the gravity range” and “undoubtedly the worst case of animal cruelty” he had seen.

He said: “It never [ceases] amazed at how bad these cases can get. You see a bad case and think it can’t get any worse, but it does.”