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. 6458Cruelty to animals · Co. Tipperary · 19 Jul 2022

Woman ordered to do community service over cruelty to dogs in Thurles

Bridget Skehan (51), of Oakfield Drive, Thurles, Co Tipperary, was convicted of cruelty to dogs after an ISPCA senior inspector called to her home on 19 July 2022 and found four Cavachon dogs that were heavily matted and most of them extremely underweight. Skehan had previously admitted charges under sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, and a vet concluded the dogs' condition was the result of prolonged starvation. At an earlier hearing on 21 November, the ISPCA inspector gave evidence about the dogs. Skehan appeared before Judge Elizabeth McGrath at Thurles District Court, where she was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month custodial sentence, disqualified from owning or having interest in any dog for five years, and ordered to hand over €150 towards costs.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced27 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Bridget Skehan was convicted of cruelty to dogs.
  • The ISPCA inspector found four Cavachon dogs that were heavily matted and most were extremely underweight.
Where
Skehan is from Oakfield Drive, Thurles, Co Tipperary.
When
  • An ISPCA senior inspector called to Skehan's home on 19 July 2022.
  • The sentence was reported on 27 February 2024.
Cause
A vet concluded the dogs' condition was the result of prolonged starvation.
Charges
Skehan had previously admitted charges under sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Investigation
At an earlier hearing on 21 November, the ISPCA senior inspector gave evidence that the dogs were ravenous and went for a piece of toast found in a bin.
In court
Skehan appeared before Judge Elizabeth McGrath at Thurles District Court.
Sentence
  • Skehan was ordered to do 100 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month custodial sentence.
  • Skehan was disqualified from owning or having interest in any dog for five years.
  • The €150 produced in court was to be handed over as a contribution towards costs.
Other details
  • Skehan surrendered the dogs to the ISPCA immediately.
  • A probation report found Skehan at a moderate risk of reoffending.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatBridget Skehan was convicted of cruelty to dogs. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe inspector saw four Cavachon dogs that were heavily matted and most were extremely underweight. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereBridget Skehan is from Oakfield Drive, Thurles, Co Tipperary. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenAn ISPCA senior inspector called to the accused's home on 19 July 2022. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeA vet concluded the dogs' condition was the result of prolonged starvation. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeSkehan had previously admitted charges under sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtSkehan appeared before Judge Elizabeth McGrath at Thurles District Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceSkehan was ordered to do 100 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month custodial sentence. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceSkehan was disqualified from owning or having interest in any dog for five years. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe €150 produced in court was to be handed over as a contribution towards costs. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherSkehan surrendered the dogs to the ISPCA immediately. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherA probation report said Skehan was at a moderate risk of reoffending. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 Feb2024
    Sentencedirishtimes.com, first report
    Woman convicted of cruelty to dogs who were described as ‘ravenous’ after finding toast in bin

    Court report of the conviction and sentence: 100 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month custodial sentence, a five-year disqualification from owning or having interest in any dog, and €150 handed over towards costs. Also reports the probation finding of moderate risk of reoffending.

    convicted, Bridget Skehan, 51, female, named, irish (judged from name)Bridget Skehan