Craigavon Man Convicted Of Animal Welfare Offence

A Co Armagh man is facing charges of over £900 after he failed to ensure the welfare of his German Shepherd.

Arthur Donaldson (O'Neill) of Parkmore in Craigavon was the carer of the 19-month-old female dog and failed to seek veterinary care for a head injury she had sustained.

The defendant was fined £500 and ordered to pay a further £424 in fees following a report from a member of the public concerned about the dog's welfare.

The case against Mr Donaldson was heard at Armagh Magistrates Court on Friday 18 October 2019 after Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council brought the case under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

An Animal Welfare Officer visited Mr Donaldson's property in July 2017 and spoke to him about the head injury, advising him to ensure it receives veterinary treatment as a matter of urgency which he failed to do.

The officer later returned to the property with a veterinary surgeon who assessed the dog as being likely to suffer as the wound had become infected. The dog was taken into the care of the council and subsequently rehomed.

Cases of cruelty and neglect can be reported to the council's Animal Welfare team who will use enforcement powers to fully investigate all cases and take formal action, which may include the issuing of improvement notices and in the most serious of cases, removing animals and prosecuting offenders.

Anyone with a concern can contact the team on 028 3751 5800 or via email at animalwelfare@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk.



(JG/CM)