Limerick farmer sentenced to more than three years in prison over 173 animal welfare and cruelty charges
Looby pleaded guilty to 173 charges.
A Limerick farmer has pleaded guilty to 173 charges, including breaches of animal welfare and animal by-product regulations.
Seamus Looby of Kilmallock, Co Limerick, entered a guilty plea to 173 charges relating to breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, and the European Union (Animal By-Products) Regulations 2014.
At the sentencing, which was overseen by Judge Fiona O’Sullivan at Limerick Circuit Court on November 9, Looby was convicted of 67 counts of failure to safeguard animal welfare under Section 11 of the 2013 act, 68 counts of animal cruelty under Section 12 of the 2013 act, 27 counts of failure to comply with a legal notice under Section 42 of the 2013 act, and 11 counts of failure to comply with the Animal By-Product Regulations 2014.
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Judge O’Sullivan sentenced Looby to three years and four months in jail on a single count for each of the three animal welfare-related offences, and an eight-month prison term on a single count of the animal by-product-related offences.
All sentences are to be served concurrently, with the last 12 months suspended for two years.
Additionally, due to the animal welfare-related convictions, Judge O’Sullivan imposed a lifetime disqualification order under Section 58 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which disqualifies Looby from owning, having an interest in, or working with animals.
The Department of Agriculture opened an investigation into Looby in August 2022 after a complaint to its animal welfare helpline was filed. In 2024, following the conclusion of the investigation, the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment.
The department welcomed the outcome, which highlighted the significant penalties applicable in the circuit court for animal welfare-related convictions of this severity relating to cruelty, neglect and causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
The department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline where members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.
- Helpline: 01 607 2379.
- Email: animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
