Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 4743Animal cruelty (Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013) · Co. Cork · 23 Mar 2023

Couple plead guilty over conditions at west Cork puppy farm

Inspectors found more than 50 dogs in poor conditions at breeding kennels at Grange More, Timoleague, Co Cork, run by William Sheehy (57) and Eleanor Sheehy (50), during visits in March and August 2023. The dogs were emaciated, kept among faeces, and some had badly matted coats. Both defendants pleaded guilty to six offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, and the matter was adjourned to Bandon District Court, where sentence will be imposed. As of the November 2024 hearing, no sentence had been imposed.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted5 Nov
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • More than 50 dogs were found emaciated and hungry and forced to sleep in their faeces.
  • The ISPCA welfare inspector described the premises as filthy and stinking.
  • A female Newfoundland dog had a coat so matted it was hard, and was extremely emaciated.
  • Faeces with mould growing on it was found throughout the kennels.
Where
The breeding kennels were run by William Sheehy and Eleanor Sheehy at Grange More, Timoleague, Co Cork.
When
  • The inspector visited the kennels on 21 March 2023, while the key facts state the charges related to offences on 23 March 2023.
  • A second visit on 18 August 2023 found the premises cleaner with fewer dogs, but still inadequate.
Cause
Runoff from a dairy operation caused standing water in the kennels.
Investigation
14 dogs in poor health were removed after the Sheehys surrendered them, and were later rehabilitated and rehomed.
Charges
Both defendants pleaded guilty to six offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including causing unnecessary suffering or endangering the health or welfare of an animal.
Other details
The inspector said the Sheehys had more bitches than they were licensed to have during the March visits.
In court
The hearing took place at Clonakilty District Court, and the judge adjourned the matter to Bandon District Court, where she will impose sentence.
Sentence
No sentence had been imposed as of the November 2024 hearing.
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMore than 50 dogs were found emaciated and hungry and forced to sleep in their faeces. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe inspector described the premises as filthy and stinking. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatA female Newfoundland had a coat so matted it was hard, and was extremely emaciated. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatFaeces with mould growing on it was found throughout the kennels. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe breeding kennels were run by William and Eleanor Sheehy at Grange More, Timoleague. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe inspector visited the kennels on 21 March 2023. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe charges related to offences at the puppy farm on 23 March 2023. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeRunoff from a dairy operation caused standing water in the kennels. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigation14 dogs in poor health were removed after the Sheehys surrendered them. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe 14 removed dogs were rehabilitated and rehomed. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeBoth defendants pleaded guilty to six offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe charges included causing unnecessary suffering or endangering the health or welfare of an animal. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge adjourned the matter to Bandon District Court, where she will impose sentence. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe inspector said the Sheehys had more bitches than they were licensed to have during the March visits. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherA second visit on 18 August 2023 found the premises cleaner and with fewer dogs, but still inadequate. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 5 Nov2024
    Convictedirishtimes.com, first report
    Dogs found emaciated and ‘matted’ in dirt at Cork puppy farm, court hears

    First report on this case. Both defendants pleaded guilty to six offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013; the court heard evidence from an ISPCA inspector about conditions at the kennels in March and August 2023, and sentencing is pending.

    convicted, 57, male, irish (judged from name)convicted, Eleanor Sheehy, 50, female, named, irish (judged from name)Eleanor Sheehy