Co Down Man Sentenced For Mistreating Dog

A County Down man has been banned from keeping animals for five years after causing unnecessary suffering and failing to ensure the welfare of a dog in his care.

Tyrone Whiteside, a resident of Dickson Park in Seapatrick, appeared at Banbridge Magistrates Court on Monday 02 September after a dog in poor physical condition was discovered at his property in 2019.

The dog was taken into the care of the council after an assessment by a veterinary surgeon determined that the dog was likely to suffer.

A case was then brought against Mr Whiteside by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council under the provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. In addition to being disqualified from owning, keeping and participating in the keeping of animals, he was fined £150 and also ordered to pay an offender's levy of £15.

A council spokesperson commented: "This ruling will hopefully serve as a reminder that anyone who owns a pet must take proper steps to care for them, as required under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011. The council will take action against anyone who fails to ensure the welfare of an animal. Where necessary, they will brought before the courts and dealt with appropriately.

"Cases of cruelty and neglect can be reported to our Animal Welfare team who will investigate fully and use enforcement powers – from issuing improvement notices and removing animals to prosecuting offenders in the most serious of cases."

To contact the Animal Welfare team, call 028 3751 5800 or email animalwelfare@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk.



(JG)