Kerry pensioner who kept his dogs in wet and dirty conditions was 'very fond of them'

Court heard man would be 'devastated' and lonely if his dogs, his only company, were removed

The judge imposed a conviction and a fine of €200 but did not order that the dogs be removed.

A Kerry pensioner who kept his dogs in wet and dirty conditions and in an area covered in dog faeces was "very fond of them", and came from a by-gone era when dogs were routinely tied up, a court was told.

Kenmare District Court heard Jeremiah Downing, of Seaview, Sneem, would be “devastated” and lonely if his dogs, his only company, were removed.