ABC Council has sought to recoup costs in excess of £5,000 from the owner of two dogs rescued from ‘atrocious’ living conditions in Banbridge.
Two German Shepherds were seized from Wayne Matchett, of Fort Street in the town, on December 2, 2024.
Matchett had been put on notice by the Council that they had lodged an application with Banbridge Magistrates’ Court to have the dogs rehomed and costs recovered in the sum of £5,332.67.
These costs included £282.67 in veterinary fees, with the remainder attributed to housing the two dogs – Dante and Maya.
On Thursday, the court heard that Matchett had contacted the Council approximately six weeks ago, “demanding to know where they were and demanding to know if they had been kept together or separated”.
A Council representative said he had supplied the court with various photographs and a statement which set out the “fairly horrific” background of the matter.
While none of the facts around the dogs’ living conditions were outlined in court, District Judge Eamon King described them as “absolutely atrocious”.
The judge added: “Mr Matchett is aware of the application and has been put on notice but has failed to attend, therefore the court will make the order.”
Judge King granted the rehoming and ordered Matchett to pay the Council £5,332.67 in costs.
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