A Banbridge woman has been banned from keeping dogs for five years, after causing cruelty to a dog, which resulted in the animal being put to sleep.
Shannon Graham, of Brookfield Meadows in the town had previously pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences under Section 4 of the Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act for causing unnecessary suffering.
Appearing before Newry Magistrates Court on Monday 2 February, 2026 for sentencing, Graham was given an enhanced Combination Order of 18 months probation and 80 hours community service.
A Deprivation Order and a Disqualification Order for five years was also granted.
The prosecution was brought by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council after a report was received concerning the welfare of a dog kept at Ms Graham’s address in Banbridge.
The Council’s Animal Welfare Officers attended the property and found an adult male Staffordshire Bull terrier type dog in very poor condition. The dog had open weeping sores over the whole body and the dog was crying and whimpering.
A vet examined the dog and concluded it was suffering severely from a skin condition and was in a lot of pain. The vet recommended that the dog be immediately euthanised on grounds of welfare.
A spokesperson for ABC 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, seizure of animals.
The Council may also prosecute for offences such as in this case which should serve as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals.”
To report an animal welfare concern, telephone 02837 515 800 or send an email to animalwelfare@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk (calls and emails will only be responded to during office hours which are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm).
