Woman jailed over animal cruelty case
Ms Kerri Ogilby, of Great James Street, was sentenced at Derry Magistrates’ Court, after previously being convicted in May 2019 for abandoning without reasonable cause, causing unnecessary suffering and failing to ensure the welfare of her Shih Tzu type dog, on 24th December 2017.
The charges were brought against Ms Ogilby by the Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.
Proceedings followed an investigation by Council’s Animal Welfare Officers, following concerns raised by a member of the public, in December 2017.
Animal Welfare Officers entered the defendant’s property and found a grey and white Shih Tzu type male dog locked inside a small bathroom. The dog had no access to food or water.
The floor of the bathroom had faeces, shredded toilet roll and empty alcohol containers.
The dog’s hip bones and ribs could be clearly felt through its thick coat.
The dog was seized by animal welfare officers on recommendation of the Council instructed vet.
Upon examination, the vet confirmed that the dog was suffering due to poor body condition, dehydration and abandonment.
The dog was taken to the Animal Welfare Care and Collection provider, where it received veterinary checks and treatment.
The dog was eventually signed over by the Animal Owner and with the assistance of the DCSDC Dog Warden was successfully re homed.
District Judge McElhom imposed on the defendant a sentence of six months imprisonment on each charge.
Ms Ogilby was disqualified for life from keeping or caring for any animals in any manner and was ordered to pay costs totalling £700.