DERRY City and Strabane District Council says it will continue to clamp down on irresponsible or neglectful animal owners and haul them before the courts.
It follows the successful prosecution today of a dog owner found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her two pet huskies.
Amy Denby, Eglinton, Derry, was sentenced at Derry Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to two husky dogs in her care on or before October 2014.
The defendant was also charged with failing to look after the welfare needs of the two husky dogs.
The charges were brought against Denby by Derry City and Strabane District Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.
The charges related to findings following an investigation by Animal Welfare Officers in relation to a dead husky dog found at the property by PSNI and a further dog found to be in poor condition and extremely emaciated, with its ribs showing and the bones of its skull and neck protruding.
Denby received a lifetime ban from keeping any animal.
She also received a three month suspended sentence for two years with costs awarded for £2,766.
Commenting after the proceedings, a spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: “Council gives a high priority to the welfare of domestic pets and horses and operates 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, the seizure of animals.
“The Council may also prosecute for offences, such as this particularly harrowing case in relation to the starvation of two husky dogs, which I hope serves as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals.”