Case No. 2173Cruelty to an animal (Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013) · Co. Kildare
Couple jailed for cruelty to starving horse in Kildare
In January 2023, a Chestnut gelding was found emaciated and very unwell in a field off Hand Lane, Maddenstown, Co Kildare, and was later diagnosed with chronic colitis and euthanised. Chloe Walker Reid, 25, and James Boland, 26, pleaded guilty to three offences each under sections 11 and 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. In March 2025, Judge Zaidan at Naas District Court sentenced both to five months' imprisonment on each charge, running concurrently. The couple were also ordered to pay €1,028.59 to cover veterinary fees incurred by the ISPCA.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced4 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A Chestnut gelding was found emaciated and very unwell in a field in Kildare in January 2023, with ribs, hips and spinal bones protruding and standing unsteady with legs splayed.
- The horse was diagnosed with chronic colitis and was later euthanised to prevent further suffering.
- Where
- The horse was found in a field off Hand Lane, Maddenstown, Co Kildare.
- When
- The horse was found in January 2023 and the couple were sentenced in March 2025.
- Charges
- Chloe Walker Reid, 25, and James Boland, 26, pleaded guilty to three offences each under sections 11 and 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
- In court
- The case was heard at Naas District Court before Judge Zaidan.
- Sentence
- Both defendants were sentenced to five months' imprisonment on each of the three charges, with sentences to run concurrently.
- The couple were ordered to pay €1,028.59 to cover veterinary fees incurred by the ISPCA.
- Other details
- The judge noted that both defendants worked in the equine sector and had relevant knowledge.
- Chloe Walker Reid said she had the horse since the previous November and its condition had been deteriorating over the preceding weeks.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe horse was found emaciated and very unwell when ISPCA inspectors called to a field in Kildare in January 2023. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe horse was a Chestnut gelding that was visibly underweight with ribs, hips and spinal bones protruding. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe horse was very unsteady on its feet and standing with its legs splayed. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe vet confirmed the animal was unwell and needed immediate veterinary attention. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatChloe Walker Reid said she had the horse since the previous November and its condition had been deteriorating over the previous number of weeks. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe horse was diagnosed with chronic colitis and was later euthanised to prevent further suffering. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe horse was found in a field off Hand Lane, Maddenstown, Co Kildare. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeBoth defendants pleaded guilty to three offences each under sections 11 and 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceJudge Zaidan imposed five-month custodial sentences for each of the three charges on both accused, with sentences to run concurrently. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceThe couple were ordered to pay €1,028.59 to cover vet fees incurred by the ISPCA. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe judge noted that both defendants worked in the equine sector and had knowledge. (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 4 Mar2025Couple jailed for cruelty to starving horse that "must have been in hell"
Sentencing details: five-month concurrent sentences for each of three charges, €1,028.59 vet fees ordered, and the judge's comments on the horse's suffering and the defendants' equine sector background.
accused, Chloe Walker Reid, 25, female, named, irish (judged from name)Chloe Walker Reidaccused, James Boland, 26, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Boland