Man Sentenced For Attack On 'Cody The Collie'

A man has been sentenced to ten months in jail for pouring diesel on a pet dog and setting it alight.

23-year-old Andrew Richard Stewart, from Meadowfield Court in Aghalee, carried out the attack at a quarry in the County Antrim village of Maghaberry in August 2012.

Jamie Downey, a friend of Mr Stewart and also 23, from Chestnut Hall Avenue in Moira, was jailed for six months for concocting a false alibi for the defendant.

Following the attack, the dog was reported to have made it back to the family home, but was put to sleep two weeks later as a result of the injuries.

The incident provoked outrage and sympathy on social media for the dog, who has become known as 'Cody the Collie'.

Lisburn Area Commander Chief Inspector Jonathan Wilson said: "The horrific story of how Cody was abused so cruelly touched the hearts of everyone who heard it, with members of the community flocking to Lisburn PSNI's Facebook page to show their support and indeed their anger. It was such a tragedy that Cody had to be put to sleep and it upset so many, as the young dog had become a charm for the public's affections. As a nation of animal lovers, we see our pets as family members. When they are hurt we worry, and when they pass away we grieve.

"It is only right that those who were found responsible for the sickening attack on this beloved family pet were brought to justice and as a result have been punished by the court. Animal cruelty will not be tolerated, and this case proves that when we find someone has subjected an animal to cruelty we will work with our partner agencies to help ensure the culprit faces the consequences of their actions."

(IT/JP)