A man has been convicted and fined for cruelty to animals in Tipperary.

Jimmy Martin of Ardane, Bansha, in Co Tipperary was fined €1,750 for cruelty and ordered to pay €1,600 in costs at Tipperary District Court.

It comes after a number of German Shepherd type dogs were found living in what the ISPCA called "deplorable conditions" on November 9th 2015.

ISPCA Inspector Alice Lacey went to the defendant's property and discovered the dogs - including one pregnant female dog chained to a tractor without access to shelter or water.

Five German Shepherd cross puppies were in a filthy pen without access to shelter or water.

Image: ISPCA

Another female German Shepherd was chained inside a pen.

This chain was found to be extremely heavy, weighing over eight kilograms, and was wrapped several times around a heavy plank of wood - making it impossible for the dog to move.

The chain was embedded in the dog's neck and required bolt cutters to remove it.

Image: ISPCA

Inspector Lacey described to the court how the living conditions of the dogs were "appalling".

She said that, in her opinion, the 8.6 kilogram chain embedded in the neck of the female German Shepherd dog must have been there for a considerable length of time to inflict such damage.

The ISPCA says the dog did not have the freedom to express normal behaviour.

The dog chained to the tractor was also heavily pregnant, and produced a litter of puppies within a few days of being removed from the property.

Inspector Lacey seized all dogs and puppies, 12 in total.

ISPCA Lacey said: "This case highlights the responsibility that pet owners have a legal responsibility to provide appropriate care for the animals in their care in all circumstances."

Numerous bones from various animal types - including a skull - were found throughout the property.

Image: ISPCA

Members of the public can report animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA by contacting the National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890-515-515, or report online in confidence.