A MAN who had 19 dogs seized from his Limerick home by Gardai appeared in court this week (Tuesday October 17) charged with cruelty and neglect of animals.
Andrew Hartigan (35), of Oliver’s Flats, The Corner, Pallas, County Limerick, was present in Kilmallock District Court when Inspector Gearoid Thompson gave a certificate of arrest charge charge and caution.
Garda Mark O’Mahony of Bruff Garda station led the investigation and seizure which was carried out on January 17 last, along with members from Bruff and Pallasgreen and Limerick City and County Council.
The search and seizure were initiated following a veterinary inspection of the animals.
15 Pit Bull Terriers, two Alsatians, and two Rottweilers were seized by Gardaí and taken away to be examined by vets and cared for.
Mr Hartigan is facing four charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 of cruelty and neglect of a brindle Pit Bull Terrier, a Belgian Malnois, a white and brown Pit Bull Terrier and a speckled Pit Bull Terrier on January 17 last.
Inspector Thompson told Judge Patricia Harney that the accused was making an application under the Police Property Act for the dogs to be returned to him.
The matter was adjourned pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
The Inspector told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that he case could be handled by the District Court rather than sending the accused forward for trial in the Circuit Court
Hearing that Mr Hartigan is currently on bail, the judge remanded him on bail until November 24, at which time the court will either hear a plea or set a date to try the matter. She granted him free legal aid for his solicitor, Brendan Gill.
