MLA hits out at rise in hoax USPCA calls

Mid-Ulster MLA Billy Armstrong has expressed his concern at the reported rise in hoax phone calls being made to the Ulster Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA).

The UUP representative said he was calling for the public to “desist” in such behaviour following claims by the USPCA that "tensions between neighbours" has been a key factor in the rise in bogus calls.

"The USPCA have limited resources which are intended to be directed towards genuine cases of cruelty and that the high levels of bogus calls are compromising the pursuit of this work," Mr Armstrong said.

“I would urge those involved in neighbourly disputes not to resort to making bogus calls to the USPCA claiming animal cruelty which are later found to be false allegations."

Mr Armstrong said there were individuals within society who appeared willing to resort to whatever measure necessary in order to receive what he called a “cheap thrill”.

“As an animal lover myself, I cannot fathom the rationale of people who would willingly place the wellbeing of animals at risk. Such actions are downright contemptible and really call into question the values these individuals follow," he added.

“I would ask the public to act responsibly and cease making bogus phone calls to the USPCA, otherwise genuine cases of animal cruelty will be unable to be given the speedy response which they demand and deserve."

(MB)