A Waterford woman, Aileen Ryan, 10 Patrick Square Apartments, Wellington Square, Barker Street, Waterford city, received a ten year animal ownership ban at Waterford District Court on Monday, 11the April last.

Ms. Ryan who was facing charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, in relation to a female Collie dog named Shadow, failed to attend court.

Judge Kevin Staunton elected to hear the evidence in absentia.

ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey told the court how she initially responded to a report of concern about the dog on 5th September 2023, at which time Shadow had a mild skin condition.

She said that, on her instruction, veterinary care was sought by the owner that evening.

But subsequent enquiries suggested that the defendant had failed to return to the vet for follow-up treatment.