Target: Catherine Pierse, Director of Public Prosecutions, Ireland
Goal: Seek substantial, proportionate penalties upon conviction in the case involving live calves allegedly kept in a pen with dead calves.
Live calves allegedly shared a pen with dead calves. That stark accusation is among the animal welfare allegations now before a jury in a case involving a farmer and his company. Young animals depend on caretakers for clean surroundings, adequate care, and protection from suffering.
The farmer faces 40 charges, while the company faces another 38. The defendants plead not guilty. Other allegations concern failure to comply with animal welfare notices and bovine remains allegedly left where a dog could gain access. Proceedings began before a jury this week, and the accusations remain to be tested through evidence.
The number of counts alone proves nothing about guilt. What matters is a rigorous examination of the alleged conduct and meaningful consequences for any offenses established. Support a prosecution that presents the animals’ circumstances and seeks substantial, proportionate penalties, including protective orders where legally available, following any conviction.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Pierse,
We ask your office to ensure that the prosecution gives these animal welfare allegations in the case of calves found living among dead companions the seriousness they warrant. The accusation that living calves were confined alongside dead calves deserves clear veterinary explanation and careful presentation in court. The farmer and company must each be judged on the evidence relevant to their alleged responsibilities.
Please support the prosecution team in presenting inspection findings, relevant records, and testimony concerning the alleged failures. Where welfare notices are at issue, establish their requirements, service, and any proven noncompliance. Explain the significance of the conditions for the animals’ health without overstating what the evidence demonstrates. A well-prepared case helps the jury assess each count fairly while keeping individual animals’ circumstances in focus.
If convictions follow, present the established harm and relevant aggravating factors in sentencing submissions. Seek substantial penalties within the applicable law and protective restrictions where authorized and justified by the findings. We do not ask for a predetermined verdict; we ask for prosecution and consequences proportionate to proven cruelty. Dependent animals deserve that commitment from the justice system.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Ann Harrison
