Man denies involvement in dogfights

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/1016/1224069691307.html

Man denies injured pitbull found in boot of car was used for dog fighting

DARA de FAOITEA

51-YEAR-OLD man has pleaded guilty to cruelty to a pitbull terrier, which a judge believes had been involved in an organised dog-fighting ring.

Gary Griffin, Raheen Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin, appeared before Carlow District Court yesterday.

Mr Griffin claimed the dog had been used for fox hunting. However, Judge William Harnett said he suspected that the dog had been "engaged in animal fighting".

Garda Fiona Ruth, of Carlow Garda station, told the court she found the dog in the boot of Mr Griffin's car when she stopped the vehicle on the Wexford Road, Carlow, on December 17th, 2007.

She said the dog was distressed and badly wounded. The animal cruelty charge relates to the condition the dog was found in. The dog is now in the care of the ISPCA.

Owen O'Connor, solicitor for Mr Griffin, said his client had been fox hunting with friends and that a fox had "done this" to the dog.

Judge Harnett said the dog would not have suffered such injuries in fox hunting and that he had suspicion that the injured dog had been engaged in animal fighting.

Garda Ruth told the court Mr Griffin had one previous conviction under the Protection of Animals Act and another conviction for violent behaviour. Mr O'Connor claimed his client had successfully appealed his conviction under the Protection of Animals Act but that he did not have the documents to show this.

Mr O'Connor said his client did not wish to give evidence.

Judge Harnett adjourned the case to November 12th.

© 2008 The Irish Times