Other News In Brief

Belfast Man Convicted For Animal Cruelty Offences

A Belfast man has been convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog and operating a dog breeding establishment without a licence.

At Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 20 August Joseph McWilliams of Upper Meadow Street was sentenced under section 4 of The Welfare of Animals Act.

Belfast City Council took the prosecution after visiting premises at Upper Meadow Street on Monday 1 August 2022. Animal Welfare Officers entered a property and removed a Bully type dog which had an untreated wound to the muzzle. The dog was taken for examination by a veterinarian and had to undergo emergency surgery to treat the facial injuries.

Animal Welfare Officers then entered further premises on Upper Meadow Street on Tuesday 2 August 2022 under warrant and found several dogs and pups being kept at the addresses.

Mr McWilliams was handed a 9 month prison sentence suspended for 12 months for causing unnecessary suffering to the Bully type dog.

Mr McWilliams was also convicted of operating a dog breeding establishment at an address on Upper Meadow Street without a licence from the Council and received a further 5 month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

Additionally, Mr McWilliams was ordered to pay legal and other costs totalling £722 and disqualified from owning all animals for a period of 10 years.

Alliance Strangford MLA Thanks All Involved In Ards Safety Operation

Alliance Strangford MLA Nick Mathison has thanked all involved in the operation to make Newtownards safe, following the controlled explosion carried out at Rivenwood on a WW2 bomb site. Following a controlled explosion carried out on Tuesday, 20 August, Mr Mathison has said: "I'd like to express my gratitude to the PSNI, Ards & North Down Borough Council, the specialist military team and all other agencies involved in implementing an emergency response to evacuate the area and protect the public. The operation went smoothly and quickly and the device has been made safe with a controlled explosion.

"The last few days have been deeply disruptive to our town and have caused a lot of stress and concern for many residents, not least for those with health conditions and pet owners, for whom this experience has come with additional stresses.

"The voluntary response to temporarily house pets at extremely short notice coordinated by Lost and Found Pets North Down & Ards has been phenomenal and demonstrates the strong community spirit in our town.

"To everyone who has been affected, thank you for your cooperation and patience during this difficult time. I hope that any property damage is minimal and that we can all get back to normal as soon as possible."

Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a report of arson which occurred at licenced premises at the Ballyclare Road area of Newtownabbey on Wednesday 21st August.

Making the appeal, Detective Sergeant Crothers said: "At around 1:50am, it was reported that a property was set light in the area. Graffiti was also reported on the premises following the incident. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended and dealt with the fire, which is being treated as deliberate ignition.

"Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, the incident is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime.

"The Ballyclare Road remains closed as a fire at the premises has reignited.

"Police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 68 21/08/24. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”