EGAR Sarah Gunther guilty of animal cruelty.....

dharma200

https://www.facebook.com/GalwaySPCA/posts/10152600869046255

"On the 10th of July 2013, the G.S.P.C.A called to a residence in Moyglass, Loughrea. On arrival, our inspector was greeted by a very thin staffy type dog at the entrance to the premises. The inspector could also hear the cries and howls of further dogs on these premises. He then put in a call to the local Garda station for assistance with entering the property so that they could together check what was going on. He also called the sanctuary supervisor Emma O’Brien who came to his assistance. They were approached by a gentleman who identified himself as the owner of the property but not of the animals. Our inspector tried to make contact with the owner of the animals at this time, Sarah Gunther of East Galway Animal Rescue, but was unsuccessful. The Gardaí and our inspector along with Emma entered the property with the permission of the owner.
As they made their way up the lane, they approached a derelict house which had two outbuildings adjacent. These outbuildings were made up of dilapidated kennels and rubbish as well being surrounded and filled with rubbish. Feed bowls were embedded in the dirt and the three animal skulls were found. There were 8 dogs in total at this location of varying breed and sizes along with one dead dog. None of which had any food or water visible. All of the dogs on site seemed in very poor condition.
The owner of the animals arrived on site at this point in a very agitated state as to why both the G.S. P.C.A and Gardaí were on site. She then supplied pitiful excuses as to why the animals were being kept in the conditions that they were. At this stage the Gardaí seized all 8 dogs which were then removed by the G.S.P.C.A on behalf of the Gardaí. All of the seized dogs were brought to a local veterinary surgeon the following day, 5 of which were found to be in an emaciated state. All 8 dogs had very little muscle covering and overgrown nails. While some others had very weak hind quarters and pressure sores. The vet concluded after examination that it was evident that these animals were totally neglected, not fed properly, not cared for and it was the worst case of neglect and animal cruelty that he had ever experienced. He also found no evidence of diarrhea
Our inspector took numerous photographs onsite in the presence of the Gardaí. The Gardaí then went on to prosecute Sarah Gunther under the protection of animals act 1911 as amended the protection of animals act 1965, She was also prosecuted under section 48 of the Control of Horses act 1966.
On the 9th of July at Loughrea courthouse, Sarah Gunther pleaded guilty to all charges and was fined a paltry sum of €250 and was instructed that an inspection would be carried out by Galway county council’s veterinary surgeon. Following this visit, recommendations would be made as to the amount of animals Ms. Gunther was allowed to hold at her premises. Ms. Gunther stated at the court hearing that she would like to have the animals returned to her. The Judge did not make an order as to the return of these animals as they were technically in possession of An Garda Síochána and that she make an application to An Garda Síochána
as to the return of them. The G.S.P.C.A, on the day, strongly objected to the return of any of these animals. Furthermore the G.S.P.C.A will be making every possible effort within the law to ensure that that none of these animals are returned to Ms Gunther.
No further comment will be made by the G.S.P.C.A regarding this case at this time. We appreciate the public’s patience regarding this matter.

Please not the photos are quite upsetting.... EGAR have had over 1000 dogs go through them... I just can't understand why this has happened... Perhaps it just all got too much to cope with... All rescues should be inspected regularly... There is a lynch mob out for this woman in the comments section, which I think, while it is terrible, it has to balance out with th egood that EGAR have done historically? Obviously there has been a breakdown of some sort... so very very sad.... If anyone has any links to her comments on the matter please post as I can't find any anywhere......

scudzilla

Wow, this is a shock, sometimes people may takeon more than they can handle but still, no excuse whatsoever for these sick sick individual s

DBB

Folks,
I'm just going to close this thread for now, as the mods need to have a bit of a discussion about this issue.
I think it's important that we highlight what has happened, but obviously we need to be really careful that it doesn't turn into a slagging match, or indeed prejudice any potential further legal action.
Bear with us please! We'll be back to you as soon as we have sorted things out.
Thanks,
DBB

DBB

Okay folks,
We're not happy to open any discussion on this story until it has appeared via an official press report, as social media is not an appropriate medium via which to get the facts behind the court case.
Once the story has appeared via an official court report in the press, we'll review the situation.
I hope you can all understand our caution.
Thanks,
DBB