Alex Taffe, of Edenmore Park, Raheny, received a four-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to failing to safeguard the welfare of his one-and-a-half-year-old husky, Simba, under the Animal Health and Welfare Act.

Gardaí said the dogs were being kept in shocking conditions, confined to rusted crates and living in their own filth.

The judge said that there was “nothing to be gained” by sending Ger Canty, of Farnalough, Newcestown, Bandon, Co Cork, to prison