Saturday 31 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. 18177Animal neglect · Co. Limerick · 17 Jan 2023

Limerick man convicted over care of 19 seized dogs

Andrew Hartigan (35), of Old Pallas, County Limerick, was arrested by Gardaí at his home on 17 January 2023. Gardaí seized 19 dogs during a search of the home. On 20 February 2024 at Kilmallock District Court, Hartigan pleaded guilty to four counts under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013, and was convicted on one count. He was fined €200 with four months to pay and was not banned from keeping dogs, after the State said he had been trying to nurse the dogs back to health. The latest reported development is the sentence, published on 22 February 2024.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced22 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Andrew Hartigan was convicted of failing to properly care for dogs in his charge.
Where
Hartigan, of Oliver's Flats, Old Pallas, County Limerick, lives in County Limerick.
When
Hartigan was arrested by Gardaí at his home on 17 January 2023.
Investigation
  • During a search of his home, Gardaí seized 19 dogs, including 15 pit bull terriers, two Alsatians and two Rottweilers.
  • Nine of the seized dogs were still in the care of the State.
Cause
  • The dogs were found in overcrowded and unclean kennels.
  • The inspector said the conditions were likely created by overcrowding rather than absolute neglect.
Other details
  • The inspector said Hartigan appeared to have been nursing the animals back to health but was overwhelmed by the number of dogs.
  • Hartigan had no prior convictions in respect of animal health or safety.
Charges
Hartigan pleaded guilty to four counts under Section 45(12)(1)(a) and (b) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013, which relates to neglect and endangerment.
In court
  • On 20 February 2024 at Kilmallock District Court, a previous application by Hartigan for the return of all the dogs under the Police Property Act had been withdrawn.
  • The State said it was not seeking to ban Hartigan from keeping dogs.
Sentence
  • Hartigan was convicted on one count and fined €200 with four months to pay.
  • The maximum sentence that could have applied was six months in prison and/or a fine of up to €5,000.
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatAndrew Hartigan was convicted of failing to properly care for dogs in his charge. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whereHartigan lives in Old Pallas, County Limerick. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whenHartigan was arrested by Gardaí at his home on 17 January 2023. (limerickpost.ie)
  • causeThe inspector said the conditions were likely created by overcrowding rather than absolute neglect. (limerickpost.ie)
  • investigationGardaí seized 19 dogs during a search of his home. (limerickpost.ie)
  • chargeHartigan pleaded guilty to four counts under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtThe dogs were found in overcrowded and unclean kennels. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtThe State was not seeking to ban Hartigan from keeping dogs. (limerickpost.ie)
  • sentenceHartigan was convicted on one count and fined €200 with four months to pay. (limerickpost.ie)
  • sentenceThe maximum sentence that could have applied was six months in prison and or a fine of up to €5,000. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherThe inspector said Hartigan appeared to have been nursing the animals back to health but was overwhelmed by the number of dogs. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherHartigan had no prior convictions in respect of animal health or safety. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherNine of the seized dogs were still in the care of the State. (limerickpost.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 22 Feb2024
    Sentencedlimerickpost.ie, first report
    Court hears Limerick man convicted of animal neglect offences was trying to nurse them back to health

    Reports the court outcome: Hartigan was convicted on one count and fined €200 with four months to pay, after the State said he had been trying to nurse the dogs back to health and was not seeking to ban him from keeping dogs.

    convicted, Andrew Hartigan, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)Andrew Hartigan