Cork farmer banned from keeping animals for 20 years after pleading guilty to charges of neglect

Accused had mental health difficulties, stress and social isolation, court heard

Accused signed pleas of guilty to three charges contrary to sections of the Animal Health and Welfare Act. Picture: Dan Linehan

A three-year suspended sentence and a 20-year ban from having animals was imposed on a 42-year-old farmer, who pleaded guilty to charges of neglecting animals on his farm in Dunkettle, Co Cork.

Michael Kenneally, of Richmond House, Dunkettle, Co Cork, appeared at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where Judge Sinead Behan imposed that sentence and disqualification.

Defence barrister Emmet Boyle said in his submission on behalf of the accused that he had mental health difficulties, stress and social isolation. 

He said within a month of the offences coming to light, all of the livestock were removed from the farm, which has not been operational since then in terms of livestock.

Mr Kenneally signed pleas of guilty to three charges contrary to sections of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, the first count stating that on December 8, 2023, he failed to provide a sufficient quantity of wholesome and uncontaminated drinking water or suitable liquid for an animal’s fluid intake requirements, a suitable sufficient quantity of wholesome food and such other nourishment as required by the animal.

The second charge states that he failed to take all necessary steps to ensure the animal was kept and treated in a manner that safeguarded its health and welfare and did not threaten the health or welfare of the animal or another animal.

The final count relates to the same date and place and states he caused or permitted anything to be done to an animal which caused unnecessary suffering to, or endangered, the health or welfare of an animal or neglected or were reckless, regarding the health or welfare of the animal.