Sunday 1 November 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. 22233Animal welfare (breach of Animal Health and Welfare Act) · Co. Dublin

Janet Ball sentenced for animal cruelty at Naul pet farm

Janet Ball, 74, of Naul, north Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to 10 charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act at Dublin District Court following a DSPCA inspection in April 2021 that found appalling conditions on her pet farm. She was given a six-month suspended sentence and disqualified from working with animals for five years.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced23 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
20 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatJanet Ball pleaded guilty to 10 charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatInspectors returned wearing masks and protective suits to continue the inspection. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatA dead dog was decomposing on the kitchen floor. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatA dead rabbit's carcass was decomposing on a hutch outside. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatNewborn puppies had no access to water. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatAbout 140 animals were kept on the farm. (thejournal.ie)
  • what33 dogs were inside the property, many in cages without access to fresh water. (thejournal.ie)
  • what10 or 11 dogs were in one room without ventilation or natural light. (thejournal.ie)
  • what53 rabbits were in hutches without water in filth-ridden old bedding. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatA shed that had not been cleaned contained ducks and geese. (thejournal.ie)
  • what28 horses, 14 donkeys and one ewe were examined and found in moderate condition. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenThe charges followed a two-day inspection by the DSPCA in April 2021. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtJudge Anthony Halpin described it as a very distressing case of animal cruelty. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceShe was given a six-month suspended sentence on the condition she did not reoffend for two years. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceShe was disqualified from working with animals for five years. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe judge noted she had no prior convictions. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe DSPCA rescued and re-homed most of the dogs, rabbits, geese, ducks and guinea pigs on the farm. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherFour dogs and two horses were to remain on the farm as they were of comfort to her brother. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe dogs were microchipped, vaccinated and generally in good condition. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe rabbits were using their soiled hay bedding as food. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 23 Feb2023
    Sentencedthejournal.ie, first report
    Woman (74) banned from working with animals over 'appalling' conditions on her pet farm

    Court sentencing details including judge's comments, conditions of the suspended sentence, disqualification order, and evidence from the DSPCA inspection describing conditions on the farm.

    convicted, Janet Ball, 74, female, named, irish (judged from name)Janet Ball