Larne man sentenced to five-year Disqualification Order and 240 hours Community Service for allowing his dog to suffer

Dillon McCombe aged 24, of Glynn Road Larne, was sentenced at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on Monday 5 August 2024, after previously pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering a dog. On this date District Judge Broderick imposed a 5-year Disqualification Order on Mr McCombe owning dogs and 240 hours Community Service.

The charge was brought against Mr McCombe by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.

Proceedings followed an investigation by Council’s Animal Welfare Officer who had been advised that Mr McCombe was told his dog needed urgent medical treatment for a suspected broken leg. On 18 September 2023 Animal Welfare Officers executed a search warrant at the property and seized Dexter – a Lurcher type dog – who was unable to bear weight on his injured leg and was clearly in discomfort and pain. The dog was transported to a Council appointed vet who assessed the extent of the injury and concluded that Dexter was in considerable discomfort. Scans of the injury confirmed a fracture on the dogs left hind leg. Appropriate treatment was administered.

On 5 February 2024 a judge granted disposal of Dexter and he was successfully rehomed to a new owner via an Animal Charity.

Commenting on the case a spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said:

“Council gives high priority to the welfare of domestic pets and horses and operates a rigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements. Complaints are investigated thoroughly and where necessary formal action is taken, which may include the service of Improvement Notices, or in extreme cases, seizure of animals. Council may also prosecute for offences – as in this case – which I hope serves as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals.”