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. 5382Animal neglect · Co. Kilkenny · 30 Nov 2020

Three members of Kilkenny family jailed over animal neglect

An inspection of the Carthy family's premises in Mallardstown, Callan, Co Kilkenny, in November 2020 found that all the animals showed signs of neglect, and 23 dogs and four horses were recovered on 30 November 2020. Michael Carthy (53), William Carthy (25) and Thomas Carthy (21) were charged with animal neglect offences, and in May 2023 all three pleaded guilty, though sources differ on whether William and Thomas were convicted or pleaded guilty. At Kilkenny Circuit Court, Michael received a two-year concurrent sentence with the last 12 months suspended, William a 21-month sentence with the final 12 months suspended, and Thomas a 15-month sentence. The latest development, reported on 24 July 2024, is that all three were banned from having charge of any animals for 10 years.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced24 Jul
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • All the animals on the premises showed signs of neglect.
  • Many animals were infested with fleas or mange, a few had conjunctivitis, and one dog's lower jaw was almost worn away.
Cause
The dogs had no fresh water or bedding, one dog was chained in a ditch, and another was found living in a barrel.
Where
The premises is in Mallardstown, Callan, Co Kilkenny.
When
The premises was inspected in November 2020, and the animals were recovered on 30 November 2020.
Investigation
Gardaí, animal welfare groups including the KSPCA and My Lovely Horse Rescue, Kilkenny County Council, dog rescue services and a vet recovered 23 dogs and four horses.
Charges
  • Michael Carthy pleaded guilty to eight counts of animal neglect under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
  • William Carthy was convicted of nine charges of animal neglect, although one source says he pleaded guilty.
  • Thomas Carthy was convicted of attempting to obstruct animal welfare officers and of animal neglect, although one source says he pleaded guilty to the charges.
In court
All three pleaded guilty in May 2023, and sentencing took place at Kilkenny Circuit Court before Judge Dara Hayes.
Sentence
  • Michael Carthy was given a two-year concurrent prison sentence with the last 12 months suspended.
  • William Carthy was given a 21-month sentence with the final 12 months suspended.
  • Thomas Carthy was given a 15-month sentence.
  • All three were banned from having charge of any animals for 10 years.
16 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatAll the animals showed signs of neglect. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatMany of the animals were infested with fleas or mange and a few had conjunctivitis. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe dogs had no fresh water or bedding. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatOne dog was chained in a ditch and another was found living in a barrel. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe premises is in Mallardstown, Callan, Co Kilkenny. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe inspection of the premises took place in November 2020. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí, animal welfare groups, Kilkenny County Council and a vet recovered 23 dogs and four horses from the premises on 30 November 2020. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeMichael Carthy pleaded guilty to eight counts of animal neglect under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeWilliam Carthy was convicted of nine charges of animal neglect. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThomas Carthy was convicted of attempting to obstruct animal welfare officers and of animal neglect. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe sentencing hearing took place at Kilkenny Circuit Court on a Monday before Judge Dara Hayes. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtAll three had pleaded guilty in May 2023 to the charges. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceMichael Carthy was given a two-year concurrent prison sentence with the last 12 months suspended. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceWilliam Carthy was given a 21-month sentence with the final 12 months suspended. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThomas Carthy was given a 15-month sentence. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceAll three were banned from having charge of any animals for the next 10 years. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 24 Jul2024
    Sentencedirishtimes.com, first report
    Kilkenny family members jailed over neglect of dogs and horses in their care

    Reports the sentencing of three family members at Kilkenny Circuit Court, with sentences, charges and a 10-year ban on keeping animals.

    convicted, Michael Carthy, 53, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Carthyconvicted, William Carthy, 25, male, named, irish (judged from name)William Carthyconvicted, Thomas Carthy, 21, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Carthy