Antrim couple sentenced after severely malnourished dog found in filthy conditions

An Antrim couple have received suspended prison sentences and five-year bans on keeping animals after a severely malnourished terrier-cross was found living in unsanitary conditions without access to water. The dog weighed just 6.9kg when examined by a vet.

An Antrim couple have been sentenced over animal welfare offences after a severely malnourished dog was found living in filthy conditions without access to water.

Jason Gallagher and Aleshia McLaverty, both of Islandbawn Drive in Antrim, appeared at Antrim Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 26 August.

Both pleaded guilty to separate offences under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

Gallagher pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the animal’s welfare, contrary to Section 9 of the Act.

McLaverty pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog, contrary to Section 4.

Under Northern Ireland legislation, people responsible for animals must take reasonable steps to ensure their welfare needs are met. These include providing a suitable environment and diet and protecting them from suffering, injury and disease.

Antrim dog found severely malnourished

The prosecution followed an investigation by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Animal Welfare Team.

Police had reported seeing an underweight dog at the property and raised concerns about the conditions in which it was being kept.

Council Animal Welfare Officers attended the address later that day.

They found a terrier-cross dog which was severely underweight.

Although the property had reportedly been cleaned before council officers arrived, PSNI body-worn camera footage showed the conditions in which the animal had previously been living.

The footage showed the dog in a room where faeces covered areas of the floor and bedding.

The animal also had no access to water.

Officers removed the dog and took it for a veterinary examination.