Man to appeal jail sentence for animal cruelty

A man jailed for animal cruelty is set to appeal the three-month prison imposed after the emaciated body of a pony was discovered on his property.

Gardaí stumbled upon the gruesome scene on February 8, 2025, while assisting a sibling of Bernard Fitzsimons (62) on lands near the defendant’s home at Kilmore, Virginia. The pony, hidden beneath a tangle of branches, appeared to have been “dead for several days” - with evidence that other animals had been feeding on its remains.

Veterinary officials arrived nearly a week later, on February 13, to document the state of the pony. Its hooves were “in poor condition”, while its hindquarters had been “savaged”.

“It was obvious this animal had not been cared for,” Judge Raymond Finnegan was told, when Fitzsimons appeared before a sitting of Cavan District Court recently.

Sergeant Lisa McEntee told the court that Fitzsimons admitted ownership but lacked the required equine passport.

He pleaded guilty in court to ill-treatment contrary to the Protection of Animals Act; and allowing an animal to remain unburied where dogs can gain access, contrary to the Control of Dogs Act.

“Why do that to an innocent animal?” demanded Judge Finnega.

Fitzsimons replied: “It was not my intention, Your Honour.”

The judge retorted that such neglect “doesn’t happen overnight”, and further criticised Fitzsimons for leaving the pony injured after the defendant claimed the animal had allegedly caught its leg in a fence.

He was told that the pony must have been in a serious degree of “pain due to the state of its hooves”.

“People who are cruel to animals can be cruel to humans,” said the judge, adding that it was “disgusting” that anyone could treat an animal, which “depends on you”, in such a manner.

Fitzsimons’ solicitor, Damien Rudden, emphasised his client’s “co-operation” and eventual “proper disposal” of the animal. But Judge Finnegan was unmoved, and sentenced Fitzsimons to three months in prison.

“People like you deserve to go to prison.”

Following sentencing, Fitzsimons lodged an appeal, with surety paid.