Thug Peter Toland jailed for killing pet dog Luna
Jailing Peter Toland (29), of Cornshell Fields, District Judge Peter Magill today described what happened to the American Pitbull dog, called Luna, as “utterly sickening” and said it had suffered “months of abuse”.
Toland was convicted at Derry Magistrates’ Court in October this year of animal cruelty and three other charges of failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the welfare of three Lurcher-type dogs.
All the offences were prosecuted under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.
The Derry man owned the wo-year-old American Bull Terrier Luna, which was found partially buried, with multiple fractures and puncture wounds, by two members of the public out walking in the Ballyarnett Country Park on March 15, 2023.
After the dog was discovered, it was taken to a local veterinary clinic where vets said such were the extent of the dog’s injuries and emaciated state that the only option was to put the dog down humanely.
Poor Luna died after suffering horrific injuries and partially buried alive
“However, the level of neglect these animals suffered was appalling and despicable.
“No animal deserves to be treated in this way.
“And it is only right that anyone who behaves in this appalling way and commits these type of offences is held accountable and brought before the court.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their assistance with our investigation.”