Man Sentenced After Dogs Found In 'Unbearable' Conditions

A County Antrim man has been sentenced after four dogs were found living alongside rotten animal carcasses.

Mr Andrew McAuley (58) of Braepark Road, Ballyclare was charged with causing unnecessary suffering and failure to ensure the welfare of four dogs that were in his care.

He pled guilty at Laganside Magistrates Court on 03 September and was banned from keeping animals for 15 years and handed an eight month jail sentence, suspended for three years.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council brought the charges after the dogs were found to be living in "unbearable" conditions.

Two dogs were found inside a car that was covered in snow in sub-zero conditions, steeped in urine, soiled with dog faeces and containing bird carcasses. An animal welfare officer described the smell as "unbearable."

A Beagle that was tied up in a confined outhouse alongside a dead bird and pig carcasses was also removed, while another dog was found roaming on site. The pets were being kept with no access to fresh water or food and living in poor conditions.

Mr McAuley was also ordered to pay costs of £217 and the dogs have since been rehomed.

An application for a Disposal Order in respect of a second case involving Mr McAuley was also heard. This order was granted in respect of 17 dogs being held in the care of the council, for which new homes have now been identified with assistance of local charities.

A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Animal Welfare Team said: "We are pleased with the outcome of this case. Council gives a high priority to the enforcement of the welfare of domestic pets and horses.

"We operate 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, seizure of animals.

"The Council may also prosecute for offences such as in this case which I hope serves as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals."

Visit the council website for more information on animal welfare and how to report abuse.



(JG/MH)