Two Charged with Animal Welfare Offences in Kilkenny Court

BREAKING: Two individuals have been charged with serious animal welfare offences in Kilkenny, with their cases moving to circuit court this week. William Carthy, residing in Wetlands, Kilkenny, faces multiple charges after allegedly breaching an order that disqualified him from owning or controlling any animal.

The allegations against Carthy stem from incidents that occurred at Drakelands Upper, Ballycallan Road, on April 3, 2025, and again on April 26, 2025, on the N76 Callan Road. He is charged under Section 58(8) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, which prohibits individuals from owning or controlling animals if previously disqualified by court order.

During the proceedings, Garda Brendan Power presented a book of evidence to Carthy, indicating the seriousness of the charges. State solicitor Gerry Meaney confirmed that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has consented for the case to advance to the next sittings of the Kilkenny Circuit Court.

In a related case, co-accused Christina Maria Reilly from 3 Railway Cottages, Powerstown Road, Clonmel, is charged under Section 12 (1)(a) of the same Act. She is accused of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal during the same incident on April 3, 2025. The court also addressed a separate charge of careless driving against Reilly, which has been adjourned for further consideration.

The implications of these charges are significant, highlighting ongoing concerns about animal welfare in the region. The cases are set to be closely monitored as they develop, drawing attention from both local and national animal rights advocates.

Stay tuned for updates as the Kilkenny Circuit Court proceedings unfold. These charges emphasize the importance of adhering to animal welfare legislation and protecting the health and well-being of animals in our communities.