Woman Fined €4,000 After Horse Found in Extremely Poor Condition She Denied Owning

Caherconlish: A woman named Fiona Hickey got into serious trouble. She denied owning a horse that was found in awful shape. The horse, a chestnut gelding named Mac, was starving and needed help.

Fiona didn’t show up in court. Judge Brian O’Shea had to hear the case without her. The ISPCA got involved after they were alerted about Mac’s condition. He was left at a yard in Co. Waterford for training.

Inspectors found Mac in really bad shape. His ribs and spine were visible, and he had overgrown hooves. A vet confirmed he was suffering from starvation and cruelty. It was heartbreaking to hear.

Inspector Alice Lacey tried to talk to Fiona. But their conversations were tough. Fiona even called the horse “dangerous” and claimed the seizure was unfair. She sent an email denying ownership of Mac.

In the end, the judge convicted her on all counts. He fined her €4,000 and ordered her to pay over €4,300 in costs. Plus, the horse was given to the ISPCA for care. It’s a sad situation for everyone involved.