Downpatrick Resident Pleads Guilty to Animal Welfare Offence

Sarah McCulloch, a resident of Saul Street, Downpatrick, appeared at Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Monday, 5 November 2018, charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a dog in her care.

A case was brought against Ms McCulloch by Newry Mourne and Down District Council following a complaint made by a member of the public who advised a dog was being kept in a room at a property at Kennedy Square, Downpatrick in August 2017.

In court Ms McCulloch pleaded guilty to both charges, causing unnecessary suffering and failing to ensure the welfare of a dog in her possession which was brought by Newry Mourne and Down District Council under the provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. She received a conditional discharge for a period of 12 months and ordered to pay costs of £140.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “This ruling will hopefully serve as a reminder that anyone who owns a pet, must take proper steps to care for them, as required under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011. The Council will take action against anyone found failing to ensure the welfare of an animal, and if necessary, they will be brought before the courts and dealt with appropriately.

“Cases of cruelty and neglect can be reported to our 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.”

To report a suspected case of animal cruelty, contact Animal Welfare on 028 3751 5800 or email animalwelfare@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk.  For more information on animal welfare, go to www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/animal-welfare