A former operator of the Deise Animal Sanctuary in Co. Waterford has had her custodial sentence suspended following an appeal in the Clonmel Circuit Court on 18th February last.

Ms. Pat Edwards (70), who ran Deise Animal Sanctuary in Ballymacarbry, Waterford, had previously pleaded guilty to charges of causing suffering to animals and mishandling microchipping.

In November, the District Court sentenced Edwards to eight months in prison, disqualified her from owning animals for 20 years, and imposed a €1,500 fine. The appeal cantered on the severity of the sentence.

During the appeal, evidence was presented by veterinary experts who described extremely poor conditions at the sanctuary, including lack of veterinary care, soiled living spaces, and inadequate record keeping.