Courts / Carlow / Report
Man given early date to appeal sentence for "inexcusable" animal cruelty
Summary
James Kavanagh, aged 48, pleaded guilty to 30 counts of animal cruelty at his property in Raheenleigh, Myshall, Carlow, where 63 animals were involved. Gardaí and animal welfare officers found dead dogs and horses, and dogs feeding on horse carcasses. After inspection, 340 dogs and 11 horses were removed; four horses and 20 dogs were euthanised. Kavanagh received a straight three‑year prison sentence and was ordered to pay €35,000 to the ISPCA. His wife, Jennifer Kavanagh, received a wholly suspended 12‑month sentence for 30 counts of allowing cruelty. Kavanagh's lawyers sought bail pending an appeal on the severity of the sentence, but were granted an early hearing date of 19 March. The appeal focuses on mitigating circumstances, including the death of the couple's teenage son, the family's medical and psychological distress, and the lack of a suspended portion in the original sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man given early date to appeal sentence for "inexcusable" animal cruelty. Charges or matters: 30 counts of causing or allowing animal cruelty at his property at Raheenleigh, Myshall, Co Carlow in April 2015. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 22 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 19 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-03-08 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 30 counts of causing or allowing animal cruelty at his property at Raheenleigh, Myshall, Co Carlow in April 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Kavanagh was sentenced to three years imprisonment and ordered to pay €35,000 towards the ISPCA's costs by Judge James McCourt on February 22 last. His wife, Jennifer Kavanagh, was given a wholly suspended 12-month sentence on the same occasion after she admitted 30 counts of allowing animal cruelty.
Places mentioned
- Carlow
- Carlow Circuit Court
- Court of Appeal
- Carlow Circuit Criminal Court
- Midlands Prison
Topics
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