Belfast Woman Banned From Owning Animals for 10 Years After Welfare Conviction

A Belfast woman has been sentenced at court following animal welfare offences involving a Collie-type dog that required veterinary treatment. She received community service, probation, was ordered to pay costs, and has been banned from owning animals for 10 years.

Belfast Woman Sentenced Over Animal Welfare Offences

A Belfast woman has been sentenced following her conviction for multiple animal welfare offences under The Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

At Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 26 May 2026, Amanda Walker, of Bentinck Street in Belfast, was sentenced after earlier being convicted of three offences linked to the welfare of a dog found at her property.

According to Belfast City Council, animal welfare officers visited Ms Walker’s home in October and November 2025. During an initial inspection, officers discovered a Collie-type dog that was in need of veterinary treatment.

Improvement Notices Issued by Belfast City Council

Following the visit, Belfast City Council officers served Ms Walker with two Improvement Notices. These notices instructed her to:

• Seek veterinary care for the dog
• Provide evidence that treatment had been carried out

However, the council said Ms Walker failed to provide proof that the required veterinary treatment had been obtained.

As a result, she was convicted of:

• Two counts of failing to comply with an Improvement Notice under Section 10 of The Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
• One count of failing to ensure the welfare needs of an animal under Section 9 of the legislation

Court Sentence and Animal Ban

The court sentenced Ms Walker to:

• 80 hours of community service
• 12 months probation
• £174 in legal and court costs

She was also disqualified from owning any animal for a period of 10 years.

Animal Welfare Laws in Northern Ireland

The Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 places a legal responsibility on pet owners and animal keepers to ensure animals receive proper care, including:

• Access to veterinary treatment when needed
• Suitable living conditions
• Proper nutrition and care
• Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease

Failure to comply with Improvement Notices issued by authorised officers can result in prosecution through the courts.