3 Month Prison Sentence & Lifetime Ban Imposed On Wicklow Woman Convicted Of Cruelty To Horses.

Ms Yvonne Coe (age 60) of Main Street, Tinahely was sentenced to three months imprisonment.

On Wednesday 21st February 2024, at Arklow District Court, Ms Yvonne Coe (age 60) of Main Street, Tinahely, Co Wicklow was sentenced to three months imprisonment, having previously admitted charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (AHWA).

In addition to the custodial sentence, Judge David Kennedy fined the defendant €5,000, and ordered that she pay a €500 contribution to ISPCA costs and €6,441.15 in costs incurred by the Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT). The court also imposed a disqualification order banning Ms Coe from keeping all animals for life.  She was allowed three months to sell or rehome any animals remaining in her care. 

During an earlier hearing on December 13th last, ISPCA Senior Inspector Fiona Conlon gave evidence on a total of 9 horses that were removed from lands and a barn off Main Street and Pound Lane, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow on three dates in late July and early August 2022.

Ms Conlon described how, on Friday 29th July she found several horses in varying levels of severe neglect, both physically and with regards to their living conditions. All the horses were visibly underweight, their hooves were overgrown, and their coats were matted with faecal material. One horse had two swollen legs and was struggling to walk. The defendant admitted under caution that veterinary attention had not been sought for this animal. The same was the case for a horse with a semi-protruded and swollen penis, despite the fact that the injury was sustained up to three years prior. The sheds in which the horses were housed had insufficient light and ventilation, and there were huge accumulations of dung.

Between 29th July and 2nd August 2022, eight horses were surrendered by Ms Coe and removed to the IHWT Centre for assessment and treatment. On 9th August 2022, Senior Inspector Conlon discovered another horse that had not been disclosed during previous visits. It was shut in another shed used by Ms Coe, it was in an emaciated state and had deformed hooves. This horse was also surrendered and required sedatives and pain relief to enable it to travel.

The court heard that, of the nine horses removed, three were ultimately euthanised as they could not be adequately rehabilitated to allow them to live pain free. A further two had permanent hoof damage that means they will no longer be able to be ridden.

Convicting the defendant, Judge Kennedy indicated that this was the worst case by far of animal cruelty in his 15 years on the bench and there must be a custodial sentence. He said that the photos were extremely distressing and that there was a multitude of animals that suffered over a prolonged period of time all of which was very avoidable.

Speaking after the case Senior Inspector Conlon said “This successful prosecution is a significant step forward in ensuring the good welfare of equines in our community. We are committed to holding accountable those who neglect or mistreat vulnerable animals. This was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty I have witnessed, every shed I entered I found yet another animal in horrendous condition and living in totally unsuitable accommodations. I want to acknowledge Jill Power and her team from the Irish Horse Welfare Trust who helped me get them to safety. Unfortunately, the outcome was not good for three of the horses and they had to be euthanised on welfare grounds. Good equine welfare is not just about the ethical treatment of horses it is the foundation of their health and performance and the bond we share with these incredible animals”.

The ISPCA is asking members of the public to continue to report any animal welfare concerns, by calling the ISPCA’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515, report online here or email helpline@ispca.ie.