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Man fined £500 and banned from keeping animals for 5 years in animal cruelty case



Mr Paul Hassan of College Mews, Limavady was sentenced at Ballymena Magistrates' Court today, after being convicted for abandoning without reasonable cause, causing unnecessary suffering and failing to ensure the welfare of his terrier type dog.


The charges were brought against Mr Hassan by Derry City and Strabane District Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.


Proceedings followed an investigation by Council's Animal Welfare Officers, following a complaint received in June 2020 that a dead dog had been found in a property at Slievemore Park, Londonderry.

Animal Welfare Officers entered the defendant's property and found the remains of a small terrier type dog which appeared to have been pushed up against the wall with a brush on top of it. There was a pungent smell of urine and faeces in the property which was in a bad state of hygiene. The dog was very thin and had begun to decompose.



The dog was seized by animal welfare officers on recommendation of the Council instructed vet.


Mr Hassan admitted all offences.


District Judge King disqualified Mr Hassan from owning, keeping or participating in the keeping of animals and from being party to an arrangement under which that person is entitled to control or influence the way in which animals are kept for a period of 5 years. Mr Hassan was fined £500 and ordered to pay legal costs totalling £138.



Commenting after the proceedings, a spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council, said:


"Council gives a 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, the seizure of animals."


Mr Hassan was convicted in respect of causing unnecessary suffering to, abandoning without reasonable cause and failing to ensure the welfare of this dog, which are offences contrary to section 4, 9 and 14 of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.


Anyone in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area with any animal welfare concerns should call 028 8225 6226 or email animalwelfare@fermanaghomagh.com



Information in relation to Animal Welfare is available on www.derrystrabane.com and on www.nidirect.gov.uk/animal-welfare. This provides information on buying and caring for animals, and is a single source of information on animal welfare enforcement. It helps members of public to understand who to contact if they are concerned about the welfare of an animal.

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