A Co Armagh woman has been handed a five year ban from keeping animals.
District Judge Amanda Brady, presiding at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Tuesday issued the disqualification on owning animals and a £100 fine to Lurgan woman, Sarah Currie of Avenue Road.
Currie after she was found guilty of failing to ensure the welfare of a dog in her care.
A case was brought against the defendant by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council under the provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 following an investigation by an Animal Welfare Officer.
The officer, on visiting her property at Avenue Road in November 2016, discovered a dog being kept in poor conditions.
The dog was later taken into the care of the Council upon the advice of a veterinary surgeon, who having assessed its health and the conditions in which it was being kept, determined the animal was likely to suffer.
A council spokesperson commented: “This ruling will hopefully serve as a reminder that anyone who owns a pet, must take proper steps to care for them, as required under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.
“The Council will take action against anyone found failing to ensure the welfare of an animal, and if necessary, they will be taken before the courts and dealt with accordingly.”
The defendant was also ordered to pay legal costs.
To report suspected cases of animal cruelty and neglect, contact our Animal Welfare team on 028 3751 5800 or email animalwelfare@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
