A Limerick farmer who admitted to more than 170 animal cruelty charges remained seated in the dock as it took over an hour for each allegation to be read to him and for him to answer “guilty.”
Although defendants are usually expected to stand while charges are put to them, the man was allowed to remain seated as he entered his plea 173 times, reports Breaking News.
The accused, Seamus Looby (66), from Raheen, Garryspillane, Co Limerick, pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to 173 offences linked to the carcasses of calves found on his farmland.
Looby acknowledged 67 charges of failing to protect the calves; 68 counts relating to the prohibition of animal cruelty; 11 charges of failing to dispose of the dead calves’ remains; and 27 counts of not complying with an Animal Health and Welfare notice, reports Breaking News.
The offences took place on Looby’s property between March 8th, 2022, and September 8th, 2022.
It took more than an hour for each charge to be read aloud and for him to answer “guilty,” reports Breaking News.
During the arraignment, he initially responded “not guilty” to one count before immediately correcting himself and saying “guilty,” reports Breaking News.
The dead calves were uncovered during a major probe launched by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in September 2022, reports Breaking News.
Prosecution barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State Solicitor for County Limerick Brendan Gill, described the case as “very significant animal cruelty.”
Ms Buckley requested that Looby give a formal undertaking that he would no longer keep animals on his land, reports Breaking News.
Looby’s barrister, senior counsel Colman Cody, instructed by solicitor Michael Devlin, accepted that it was a “very serious case.”
Mr Cody told the court that Looby would not permit any further animals to be kept on his property, reports Breaking News.
“Currently, there is a suspension on him having animals on his property,” Mr Cody added, reports Breaking News.
Seeking legal aid and a psychological assessment for his client, Mr Cody said: “There is a history of mental health issues. There was some degree of manipulation of Mr Looby regarding the circumstances of providing other third parties to keep animals on his land,” reports Breaking News.
Judge Colin Daly ordered a psychological evaluation and remanded Looby on bail until his sentencing next March.
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