Thug Peter Toland accused of killing pet dog Luna
Peter Toland appeared at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court after the discovery of pet dog Luna which had been buried found at Ballyarnett Country Park after being attack with bricks and masonry.
Toland (29) of Derry’s Cornshell Fields, is charged with causing unnecessary suffering to the dog and four counts of failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of animals.
He denies any knowledge of the injuries to the dog.
A police officer connected Toland to the charges.
At 5pm on Wednesday, March 15, police received a report from a veterinary clinic after a member of the public discovered the dog buried.
The person who found the animal had to dig around it as the ground was packed in and two males were seen walking from the area.
Police attended and observed the dog to be in an “extremely poor state” and was receiving intensive care.
The pet dog was severely emaciated, had multiple punctures to its nose and head, the abdomen had collapsed preventing normal breathing and there were also fresh bite marks and broken teeth, it was stated.
Despite treatment the animal remained unresponsive, and the vet felt that to prevent any further suffering was to humanely put Luna to sleep.
The vet described the incident to police as one of “extreme cruelty”.
Toland was named on social media accounts and police searched his home under
Information was received that more animals were in his home, but despite efforts police were unable to contact him.
A warrant was obtained and officers searched his home where a pen was found containing three whippet/lurcher pups..
The pups had no bedding or water and a large amount of faecal matter. Because of their state, the pups were taken to safety and examination.
Poor Luna died after suffering horrific injuries and partially buried alive
There were also fears for his safety as his windows in his home were smashed such was the public anger over the death of Luna.
Toland has denied any knowledge about injuries Luna sustained.
The judge granted Toland bail of one surety of a £1,000, he will wear a tag and must abide by a 11 pm to 7 am curfew.
He must also lived at a resident approved by police and sign his bail at a PSNI station three times a work.
And he is not to be left unsupervised with any animal.
Toland will appear at Derry Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, April 13.
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