Acts of Violence Against Animals in Ireland

As a long-time animal campaigner I collect and research acts of violations against animals as part of my work.
Lately I have found it almost impossible to keep up with the mammoth amount of acts of violence being committed towards animals here in Ireland, both domestic and wild. A rise in the incidence of children torturing and killing sentient creatures is frightening.

Numerous research studies have reported that childhood cruelty involving animals may be the first serious warning sign of later problems. This behaviour appears to be linked to conduct disorders, delinquency and criminal behaviour.
Anywhere from one-fourth to two-thirds of violent adult offenders report a history of animal abuse during their childhood or adolescence, a rate substantially higher than groups of normal adults. Animal abuse, either by adults or by children, occurs at an alarming rate in homes where children are physically or sexually abused. Animal cruelty by children is more frequent in families where there is spousal abuse or repeated physical punishment of older children and adolescents.

In Ireland however not many perpetrators are brought to justice. Over the last few weeks, a donkey was hanged in a public park, and a 7 year old killed a pup after torturing it first. A gentle sheep was abducted in Donegal and openly beaten to death on a public street by youths, the animal must have been terrified, it was later helped to die to end her pain and suffering. No one will speak up through fear or intimidation. These abusers act with impunity.

The latest disturbing development is the blatant lack of remorse of a serial (three-times convicted) animal-abuser in Limerick Richard Smith. He is running for election for council election in the Limerick Adare area. He dragged a cow tethered to a tractor around his field and left many to die of hunger. Despite the LSPCA calling for a lifetime ban on him having animals he just received a four months jail term which he is now appealing.
His latest conviction in March 2008, the third of three received a mere four –month sentence. However if someone receives more than a six- month jail sentence they are disqualified from running for public office.

Judge O Donnell in Smith’s last case at Limerick District Court said deplorable pain and suffering had been inflicted on the cattle at his farm and commented that the case was ‘utterly awful’. The Judge said they were the worst he had ever seen. However this man is allowed the privilege of running for public office despite having a four month prison sentence to serve. This is not justice it’s a joke. As part of the Alliance for Animal Rights campaigning group I urge the decent people in Limerick to condemn these animal violations and to make sure he is not given a position of public office. This makes a joke of the judicial system if a convicted abuser of any kind can run for office. Limerick has its fair share of animal abuse and crime, custodial sentences for animal abuse bare no relation to the severity of the crimes.

Until the judicial system recognises animal violations as the precursor to human abuse we will have to deal with an increasing dysfunctional society. Also if more people afforded other species the respect that they deserve we could go somewhere along the road towards a safer and less violent society.

Alliance for Animal Rights
Bernie Wright.
PO Box 4734.
Dublin.1
www.afarireland.org

FURTHER READING:
Irish Times Article

The Limerick Leader