Antrim couple sentenced over severely malnourished dog found in filthy conditions

An Antrim couple have been handed suspended prison sentences and banned from keeping animals for five years after a severely malnourished dog was found living in filthy conditions without access to water.

Jason Gallagher and Aleshia McLaverty, both of Islandbawn Drive, Antrim, were sentenced at Antrim Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 26 August after pleading guilty to separate offences relating to the welfare of a terrier-cross dog.

Gallagher pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the animal’s welfare, contrary to Section 9 of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

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

Dog weighed just 6.9kg

The prosecution followed an investigation by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Animal Welfare Team after the PSNI reported seeing a dog at the property which appeared underweight and was living in dirty conditions.

Council Animal Welfare Officers attended the address later that same day.

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

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

According to the council, the footage showed the dog in a room where the floor and bedding were strewn with faeces and where the animal had no access to water.

Officers removed the dog and took it to the council’s vet, who certified the animal as suffering.

In a report, the vet described the dog as an approximately one-year-old male wheaten-coloured terrier cross which weighed only 6.9kg and had the lowest body condition score on the five-point scale.

The vet stated:

“The dog was a one-year-old, approximately, entire male wheaten-coloured terrier cross. He was severely malnourished and underweight, weighing just 6.9kg, with a body condition score of 1/5. He also had very overgrown nails.

“On physical examination, he had normal vital signs and was very hungry when offered food. I certified this animal as suffering due to his body condition score, inadequate environment and unsanitary conditions.”

Suspended prison sentences and five-year bans

District Judge Kennedy sentenced both defendants at Antrim Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Gallagher received a two-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and was disqualified from owning or keeping animals for five years.

He was also fined £300 and ordered to pay £250 in legal costs, £45 in court costs and £150 in veterinary costs.

McLaverty received a five-month custodial sentence, also suspended for two years, and was disqualified from owning or keeping animals for five years.

She was fined £500 and ordered to pay £250 in legal costs, £45 in court costs and £150 in veterinary costs.

Council says case should serve as warning

Following the sentencing, a spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said the authority places a high priority on animal welfare and will take enforcement action where necessary.

The spokesperson said:

“The Council gives a high priority to the welfare of domestic pets and horses and operates a rigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.

“Complaints are investigated thoroughly and, where necessary, formal action is taken. This may include the service of Improvement Notices or, in extreme cases, the seizure of animals.

“The Council may also prosecute for offences, as in this case. We hope this serves as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals.”

The case resulted in both defendants being barred from owning or keeping animals for the next five years, alongside the suspended custodial sentences and financial penalties imposed by the court.