A bench warrant has been issued for a Lithuanian man who failed to turn up in court to face dog neglect charges.
Richard Vynsiauskas, with a residential address at Old North Road, Coldwinters, failed to turn up for his scheduled hearing at Dublin District Court on Friday 30th May last.
The case proceeded in his absence.
DSPCA inspector Shane Lawlor outlined to the court that he went to the property on April 16th 2024 following an allegation that a dog was being cruelly treated.
There was no one at the property when he arrived. While on site he observed a Dobermann being kept in a six-foot by six-foot cage with a makeshift kennel inside and a broken shelter area.
The smell from the cage was overpowering and dog faeces covered the floor. No fresh water was available to the dog who was unable to eat, sit, and stand without making contact with her own faeces.
When the dog was removed from the cage, it was in a distressed and nervous state. The female dog was not in a good physical state and appeared malnourished.
The court was shown photographs of the dog and its living conditions.
Dog Surrender
Mr Vynsiauskas agreed to surrender the dog to the DPSCA saying that he had no time to look after the dog or take it out for exercise.
The DSPCA inspector said the dog’s rehabilitation took a long time to correct her behaviour issues before she could be rehomed.
Judge Anthony Halpin convicted Richard Vynsiauskas in his absence and issued a bench warrant to bring him before the court to be sentenced.
Under the The Animal Health and Welfare Act (2023), Mr Vynsiauskas could face a fine of €5, 000 and six-month imprisonment.
Judge Halpin took into account that the dog was not licensed, micro-chipped and had never been brought to a vet.
To report any animal welfare concerns:
NSPCA’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515
Report online at: https://ispca.ie/report-cruelty
E:helpline@ispca.ie.
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If you have a tip for an animal welfare issue, an animal news article, a press release, or just want to just reach out to us, we’d love to hear from you. John Tierney, Animal News Ireland/Editor