Oliver McDonnell, a 59-year-old farmer from Ballyforan, Co Roscommon, was sentenced to six months in prison for severe neglect leading to the deaths of nine horses on his farms in December 2023. The court found 19 violations of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, with horses suffering from starvation, dehydration, untreated illnesses, and horrific conditions described by Judge Kenneth Connolly as “truly sickening” and “the stuff of nightmares.” Despite multiple warnings from the Department of Agriculture, McDonnell failed to improve the animals’ welfare, resulting in some horses needing euthanasia and skeletal remains found on his property.

Judge Connolly imposed an 18-month custodial sentence, suspending 12 months, and banned McDonnell from owning horses for life, ordering him to pay €1,000 to the equine charity Hungry Horse Outside. While acknowledging McDonnell’s vulnerability and health issues, the judge emphasized that these were no excuse for the animals’ suffering. McDonnell pleaded guilty to all charges and has complied with the disqualification order since February 2024.