A dog breeder was questioned in court for importing classified and banned substances from Australia. The man who lives in #33 St Stephen’s Park, Castle Island, Ireland allegedly imported different kinds of drugs for his dog to keep it healthy. Based on court records, Dan O’Sullivan purchased anabolic steroids, performance enhancers and pain reducing drug which according to according to authorities violates certain laws. Experts say that the drugs could be used for more than 10 canines but O’Sullivan has only one.

O’Sullivan’s lawyer defended his client that the purpose of the importation was solely intended for his dogs and not for other purposes like selling them to other clients. Based on the report of kerryman.ie, the defendant purchased the drugs through the internet and arranged the delivery by postal services. However, when the parcel was delivered to the defendant’s home, there was nobody who could receive it which caused its return to the postal office. The customs also notified the Department of Agriculture about the package since it contains animal remedies. When O’Sullivan claimed the package at the post office, he was apprehended by the authorities and told about the violation.

According to Department of Agriculture officer Noel Kelly, the package contains injections of Stanazol, L Carnitine, Vitamin C and Mitachondral. He added that the Mitochondral, which is used to reduce pain, is prohibited in Ireland. Another DA officer, Caroline Garvey, a veterinary surgeon, explained in court how these drugs can be used in animals. Garvey said that both the L Carnitine and Vitamin C injections are commonly used as performance enhancers for racing animals. Anabolic steroid Stanozolol is not a drug prescribed by veterinarians. Mitachondral injection, on the other hand, has opium like effects when injected. It reduces the sensation of pain in an animal, which according to the surgeon will help them continue to perform even when injured.

Pat Mann, the defense lawyer of O’Sullivan told the court that his client researched for these drugs on the internet and in magazines and found out that these are freely available in other countries. In the statement of O’Sullivan, the drugs will be used to keep them healthy, keep the blood okay, make them feel good, keep the dog in good shape and give them an appetite. “He learned the system from magazines and the internet and as a dog owner it is his sole intention to make sure the animal is adequately and solely protected in every way,” added Mann. He also said that the defendant has no intention of violating any law since he did not hide the products and cooperated with the authorities. “He saw these items on the internet and did not hide any of it when asked, and he regrets that he now finds himself in this position. He now only has one greyhound which he hopes he may be able to breed,” Mann said.

The court handed O’Sullivan with a guilty decision. Judge James O’Connor ruled that the defendant is in possession of the drugs Stanazol, L Carnitine, Vitamin C and Mitachondral without having veterinary product authorization. He also imposed a fine of €300 and an additional € 1,000 for litigation costs. The judge also warned O’Sullivan that if he faced another similar charges in the future, he will be given a jail term.

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