A Co Monaghan man has been remanded on bail in relation to animal cruelty charges.
Patsy Mullen (77) of Rarutra, Emyvale, appeared before Monaghan District Court today.
In July 2024, Gardaí began investigating a suspected animal welfare incident that occurred in Co Monaghan.
At approximately 11am on Saturday, 27th July, Gardaí received a report of a suspected illegal "cock fighting" event allegedly taking place at a private residence in Emyvale.
A large number of people fled the scene upon the arrival of Gardaí. The assistance of the Department of Agriculture was then sought and a warrant to search the residence under Section 45 of Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 was obtained.
During the course of a search, 15 dead roosters were discovered on the property while a further 70 roosters were seized by a number of Department of Agriculture personnel in attendance. Evidence of suspected "cock fighting" was also seized.
Patsy Mullen who is aged in his 70s was arrested by Gardai on the 20th of March 2026 in connection with this investigation.
He appeared before Monaghan District Court today in relation to a number of charges.
He was charged with; Having a protected animal in his possession or under his control and taking part or were present at a cock fighting performance. Having a protected animal in his possession or under his control within did fail in his duty to safeguard the health and welfare of said animal and threatened the health or welfare of an animal or another animal in his possession or under his control.
Having a protected animal in his possession or under his control did fail to do anything or cause of permit anything to be done to an animal that caused unnecessary suffering to, or endangered the health or welfare of, an animal.
Having a protected animal in his possession or under his control did organise, cause or permit a cock fighting performance. Having a protected animal in his possession or under his control did keep an animal for the purpose of an animal fight or performance.
Having a protected animal in his possession or under his control did have in your possession or control an animal for an animal fight or performance and did have spurs, equipment or other appendage made used or adapted for use in an animal fight.
Judge Raymond Finnegan remanded Mr Mullen on bail until the 22nd of June for DDP directions.
An application for free legal aid was also granted.
