Badly emaciated puppy found by council welfare officers
Dylan Lockhart, of Beraghvale, was convicted at Derry Departmental Court on Thursday, April 20, 2023 of causing unnecessary suffering to two Staffordshire type dogs in June 2021.
The complaint was brought against him by Derry City and Strabane District Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.
Proceedings followed an investigation by the Council’s Animal Welfare Officer following a complaint received from the PSNI.
The dogs were living in unhygienic conditions and were in an emaciated state.
District Judge Barney McElholm imposed a six-month custodial sentence suspended for two years on Lockhart and disqualified him from keeping dogs for seven years.
The defendant was also ordered to pay costs totalling £1,325 for veterinary costs and care of the two dogs and legal fees of £226.
The Council successfully rehomed both of the dogs.
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.”