Menu
06/09/2019
Man Sentenced After Dogs Found In 'Unbearable' Conditions
A County Antrim man has been sentenced after four dogs were found living alongside rotten animal carcasses.
Mr Andrew McAuley (58) of Braepark Road, Ballyclare was charged with causing unnecessary suffering and failure to ensure the welfare of four dogs that were in his care.
He pled guilty at Laganside Magistrates Court on 03 September and was banned from keeping animals for 15 years and handed an eight month jail sentence, suspended for three years.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council brought the charges after the dogs were found to be living in "unbearable" conditions.
Two dogs were found inside a car that was covered in snow in sub-zero conditions, steeped in urine, soiled with dog faeces and containing bird carcasses. An animal welfare officer described the smell as "unbearable."
A Beagle that was tied up in a confined outhouse alongside a dead bird and pig carcasses was also removed, while another dog was found roaming on site. The pets were being kept with no access to fresh water or food and living in poor conditions.
Mr McAuley was also ordered to pay costs of £217 and the dogs have since been rehomed.
An application for a Disposal Order in respect of a second case involving Mr McAuley was also heard. This order was granted in respect of 17 dogs being held in the care of the council, for which new homes have now been identified with assistance of local charities.
A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Animal Welfare Team said: "We are pleased with the outcome of this case. Council gives a high priority to the enforcement of the welfare of domestic pets and horses.
"We operate a rigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements. Complaints are investigated thoroughly and where necessary formal action is taken, which may include the service of Improvement Notices, or in extreme cases, seizure of animals.
"The Council may also prosecute for offences such as in this case which I hope serves as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals."
Visit the council website for more information on animal welfare and how to report abuse.
(JG/MH)
Mr Andrew McAuley (58) of Braepark Road, Ballyclare was charged with causing unnecessary suffering and failure to ensure the welfare of four dogs that were in his care.
He pled guilty at Laganside Magistrates Court on 03 September and was banned from keeping animals for 15 years and handed an eight month jail sentence, suspended for three years.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council brought the charges after the dogs were found to be living in "unbearable" conditions.
Two dogs were found inside a car that was covered in snow in sub-zero conditions, steeped in urine, soiled with dog faeces and containing bird carcasses. An animal welfare officer described the smell as "unbearable."
A Beagle that was tied up in a confined outhouse alongside a dead bird and pig carcasses was also removed, while another dog was found roaming on site. The pets were being kept with no access to fresh water or food and living in poor conditions.
Mr McAuley was also ordered to pay costs of £217 and the dogs have since been rehomed.
An application for a Disposal Order in respect of a second case involving Mr McAuley was also heard. This order was granted in respect of 17 dogs being held in the care of the council, for which new homes have now been identified with assistance of local charities.
A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Animal Welfare Team said: "We are pleased with the outcome of this case. Council gives a high priority to the enforcement of the welfare of domestic pets and horses.
"We operate a rigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements. Complaints are investigated thoroughly and where necessary formal action is taken, which may include the service of Improvement Notices, or in extreme cases, seizure of animals.
"The Council may also prosecute for offences such as in this case which I hope serves as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals."
Visit the council website for more information on animal welfare and how to report abuse.
(JG/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 September 2005
NI tops stray dogs figures
A new survey has revealed that local authorities in Northern Ireland collected nearly 11,000 stray dogs during the past year, with over a third of these needlessly destroyed.
NI tops stray dogs figures
A new survey has revealed that local authorities in Northern Ireland collected nearly 11,000 stray dogs during the past year, with over a third of these needlessly destroyed.
03 September 2008
NI Leads Dog Euthanasia League
A canine welfare charity is urging people across the Province to re-home a rescue dog (like Xander, pictured) before purchasing a 'retail rover'. Dogs Trust's annual Stray Dogs Report published today has revealed 4,041 dogs were destroyed in Northern Ireland last year; making NI one of worst areas for animal welfare in the UK.
NI Leads Dog Euthanasia League
A canine welfare charity is urging people across the Province to re-home a rescue dog (like Xander, pictured) before purchasing a 'retail rover'. Dogs Trust's annual Stray Dogs Report published today has revealed 4,041 dogs were destroyed in Northern Ireland last year; making NI one of worst areas for animal welfare in the UK.
04 May 2011
'Walkies' To Back Animal Sanctuary
A Co Antrim animal welfare charity is hoping for a good turnout for their annual sponsored walk.
'Walkies' To Back Animal Sanctuary
A Co Antrim animal welfare charity is hoping for a good turnout for their annual sponsored walk.
24 January 2012
Arrests Made Over Cannabis Find
A man and woman have been arrested after police seized cannabis plants and resin in a house in Rostrevor, Co Down. Seventy cannabis plants and 35kgs of cannabis resin were found during the police search on Monday. Four dogs, believed to have been used for badger baiting, were also taken at from the property. The pair are currently being questioned.
Arrests Made Over Cannabis Find
A man and woman have been arrested after police seized cannabis plants and resin in a house in Rostrevor, Co Down. Seventy cannabis plants and 35kgs of cannabis resin were found during the police search on Monday. Four dogs, believed to have been used for badger baiting, were also taken at from the property. The pair are currently being questioned.
20 July 2004
Nearly 4,000 stray dogs killed in NI last year
Local authorities in Northern Ireland destroyed nearly 4,000 stray dogs last year according to a new survey by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. The figure equates to an average of 11 dogs a day being put to sleep – an increase of 15% on the previous year and in stark contrast to the 2% decrease seen across the UK as a whole.
Nearly 4,000 stray dogs killed in NI last year
Local authorities in Northern Ireland destroyed nearly 4,000 stray dogs last year according to a new survey by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. The figure equates to an average of 11 dogs a day being put to sleep – an increase of 15% on the previous year and in stark contrast to the 2% decrease seen across the UK as a whole.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
