Convicted animal home got State funds

An animal welfare sanctuary convicted of ill-treating dogs has been receiving State funding for the last 10 years, it has emerged.

The founder of the East Galway Animal Rescue, Sarah Gunter of Kylebrack, Loughrea, pleaded guilty last month to eight charges of ill-treating a variety of dogs.

The sanctuary has been receiving grant aid from the Department of Agriculture since 2003 and, most recently, was awarded funding of €4,000 in 2012. Figures for 2013 and the current year are not currently available.