Police say all calls were ‘thoroughly followed up’ before two dogs found dead in Lurgan home

Police have said all calls received before two dogs were found dead at a Lurgan property were “thoroughly followed up”, as agencies came together to examine what happened and address questions over whether earlier intervention was possible.

The PSNI made the statement following a multi-agency meeting in Lurgan on Monday morning, 24 August, attended by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Arbour Housing and local political representatives.

It follows significant public concern about the deaths and questions over information sharing between agencies. Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart had previously called for a detailed timeline establishing what concerns were raised, who knew about them and what action was taken.

Police have also confirmed that a 47-year-old man has now been charged with abandoning an animal and causing unnecessary suffering to animals. He is due before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 9 September.

Dogs discovered after report to police

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Chief Inspector Caldwell said the PSNI was aware of the concern surrounding the case.

“We are aware of public concern and questions about information sharing between statutory agencies following the recent distressing death of two dogs in Lurgan.

“The dogs were discovered on Monday, 17th August, following a report made to police that day. A 47-year-old man was arrested the following day, Tuesday 18th August, and was later charged with abandoning an animal and causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

“He is due to appear before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 9th September.”

The development moves the criminal investigation beyond the arrest confirmed last week and into court proceedings.

The charges remain allegations and the defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty.

Police urge public not to speculate

With court proceedings now pending, police have issued an important warning about public discussion of the case, particularly on social media.

Chief Inspector Caldwell said:

“We know the public want answers about these deaths, but we must respect due process. The role of police is to investigate the circumstances and provide evidence to the Public Prosecution Service for review.

“Until court proceedings have concluded, we would urge the public not to speculate or comment on social media – to do so may jeopardise the prospect of a fair hearing.”

The warning is particularly significant now that a person has been charged. Public comments about responsibility for the dogs’ deaths could potentially prejudice forthcoming proceedings.

Agencies provide detailed timeline

Alongside the criminal case, attention has focused on the response of the organisations involved before the dogs were discovered.

Chief Inspector Caldwell confirmed:

“This morning, Monday 24th August, police attended a multi-agency meeting held in Lurgan to discuss the deaths. This meeting was attended by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council representatives, Arbour Housing and a number of local politicians.

“This was an extremely constructive meeting, which gave each agency the opportunity to provide a detailed timeline of events. We were able to demonstrate that all calls had been thoroughly followed up, and our elected representatives scrupulously examined our processes.”

That assertion directly addresses one of the central questions raised following the deaths: whether information or concerns received by police had resulted in appropriate follow-up.

However, the PSNI statement does not set out the detailed timeline presented at Monday’s meeting, including the dates and nature of individual contacts, or the actions taken in response to each.

Questions had been raised over earlier concerns

Ahead of the meeting, Ms Lockhart said residents had reported concerns surrounding the Sloanhill Court property and wanted to know whether more could have been done.

She had called for clarity from the PSNI, council and Arbour Housing, saying:

“I want a clear timeline. Who knew what? When did they know it? What concerns were raised, with whom, and crucially, what action was taken?”

Ms Lockhart had also said neighbours noticed large numbers of flies coming from the property and feared dogs had been left inside.

Following Monday’s meeting, police have now publicly stated that the calls they received were followed up. The respective timelines and responses of the council and Arbour Housing are not detailed in the PSNI statement.

Who should people contact about animal welfare?

Police have also used the case to clarify what people should do if they suspect a domestic animal is being neglected or subjected to cruelty.

Chief Inspector Caldwell said:

“I want to remind any member of the public who is worried about the welfare of an animal – please contact the relevant agency immediately. Action will be taken to ensure the animal’s safety.

“All calls regarding possible neglect or cruelty towards a domestic animal should be directed to the local council in the first instance, but police will always provide them with assistance when required to do so.”

Police are responsible for investigating wildlife crime. This includes reports involving badger baiting, poisoning of birds, destroying or disturbing bat roosts, illegally trapping wildlife, deer poaching, the release of non-native species into the wild and trade in endangered species.

The PSNI should also be contacted where an animal is on a road or other criminal activity is suspected.

For non-emergency matters, contact police on 101. In an emergency, call 999.

Chief Inspector Caldwell added:

“By working together with our council partners, we can ensure that those whose criminal actions hurt an animal are brought to justice.”

The immediate focus will now move to Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on 9 September.

Separately, Monday’s multi-agency meeting has provided agencies and elected representatives with a detailed timeline of events — but with that timeline not yet made public, questions about the sequence of concerns and responses beyond the PSNI’s own handling of calls may remain for residents seeking a fuller account of what happened.