Cork man accused of cruelty to horse sent forward for trial

Defendant is charged with causing unnecessary suffering to and endangering health and welfare of animal under Animal Health and Welfare Act

Case against accused to be sent forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Picture Dan Linehan

Animal cruelty charges were brought against a 24-year-old man in relation to alleged incidents on Anglesea Street in Cork in 2024 and on Tuesday the Director of Public Prosecutions directed the matters should be dealt with by indictment.

Tony O’Reilly, of 4 Meelagh Drive, Mahon, Cork, appeared at Cork District Court, where Sergeant Aisling Murphy said the DPP directed the case would be heard at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

The animal cruelty and control of horses charges relate to July 2024.

Defence solicitor Diane Hallahan asked for as much disclosure of evidence as could be furnished by the prosecution so consideration could be given as to whether or not a signed plea of guilty would be entered.

Garda Jonathan Corcoran brought the charges against Tony O’Reilly.

The first count states that on July 16, 2024, on Anglesea Street, Cork, he did cause or permit 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 said animal, contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. 

An identical charge was brought in respect of the following day.

A third charge relates to the same date, July 17, 2024, on Anglesea Street, stating that being the person in control of a horse, he wilfully permitted the horse to pose a danger to a person or property contrary to the Control of Horses Act.

Judge John King remanded the defendant in custody until June 2.

Background evidence as to what gave rise to the charges was not outlined in court.