Corkman charged with keeping 'emaciated' dogs in a cramped pen

Accused had emigrated to Australia before summons was issued, court heard

Judge said to avoid a conviction, the defendant could make a donation to the ISPCA and undertake not to keep animals for 10 years. Picture: Larry Cummins

A man charged with keeping “emaciated” dogs in a cramped pen in Cork without adequate access to water may escape a conviction.

Philip O’Neill had faced 13 charges in a case taken against him by the Department of Agriculture, but 11 were withdrawn due to a guilty plea.