Newry Resident Receives a Five Year Ban from Keeping Animals

Harrison MacUillin, 22, of Old Warrenpoint Road, Newry, was convicted on 21 May 2018 in Newry Magistrates Court of offences under Sections 4, 5 and 9 of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.

Charges under the provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 were brought by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council against Mr MacUillin, in relation to one dog in his care. Mr MacUillin was charged with the offence of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog, permitting another person to carry out a prohibited procedure on the dog by cropping the sensitive tissue of the dogs ears and for failure to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of the dog were being met including protecting the dog from pain, injury and suffering.

The Council received a complaint which alleged that a dog which had its ears cropped had been taken into the USPCA hospital in Newry after it had been found straying.  The animal was taken into the possession of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council by the Animal Welfare Officer and given appropriate veterinary treatment. The dog was later successfully rehomed after it recovered from its injuries.

Mr MacUillan received a disqualification order banning him from keeping any animal for five years, fined £600 and ordered to pay costs of £220.  Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “The Council continues to give a high priority to the welfare of domestic pets and horses and operates a rigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements.

“I would urge the public to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of mistreatment or cruelty to our Animal Welfare team.  Complaints are investigated thoroughly and where necessary, formal action is taken, which may include the issuing of Improvement Notices or, in extreme cases, the seizure of animals.”

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