Equine Workers From Kildare Jailed After Emaciated Horse Found In Critical Condition In Maddenstown

Tuesday, 4 March 2025 12:40

By Martin Osborne

Judge Desmond Zaidan, after reviewing distressing photographs, condemned the suffering endured by the animal, stating that it had been "let down badly."

A man and a woman from Kildare have been sentenced to five months in prison after pleading guilty to three offences each under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

The case arose from an investigation by ISPCA Inspector James McCormack, who responded to a report in January 2023 about a severely underweight horse in Maddenstown.

Chloe Walker Reid (25) with an address at Cnoc Na Greine, Kilcullen and James Boland (26) of Oldgrange, Monasterevin pleaded guilty to three offences each under sections 11 and 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

The chestnut gelding was found in a critical condition, visibly emaciated, unsteady on its feet, and suffering from chronic colitis.

It was later euthanised to prevent further suffering.

The court heard that the female defendant, who initially identified herself as the owner, admitted the horse had not received veterinary care because she did not have money for a vet.

The male defendant later also acknowledged that no medical treatment had been sought.

Judge Desmond Zaidan, after reviewing distressing photographs, condemned the suffering endured by the animal, stating that it had been "let down badly."

He described the situation as "depressing" and said the horse “must have been in hell”

Both defendants, who work in the equine sector, were sentenced to five-month custodial terms, to run concurrently, and ordered to pay €1,028.59 in veterinary costs.