A Lurgan woman who kept 15 dogs inside a house in “squalid unhygienic” conditions has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.
Among the dogs were three fish and a bird, as well as the decaying carcass of another bird.
Lisa Glendinning, of Marlborough Park, was found guilty of animal welfare offences at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 07 June 2022, sitting before District Judge Trainor.
Glendinning was charged with causing unnecessary suffering and failing to ensure the welfare of animals under Section 4 “Unnecessary Suffering” and Section 9 “Ensuring welfare of animals” of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.
A complaint was received in October 2020 in relation to animals being kept by Glendinning at a property in Russell Drive, Lurgan.
An Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Animal Welfare Officer visited the property on several occasions leaving a No Access Card to which no response was received.
On November 11, 2020 the Animal Welfare Officer gained access to the property upon execution of warrant and found multiple animals kept in squalid unhygienic conditions.
A total of 15 dogs, 3 fish and a bird were removed from the property following assessment of a vet who determined the animals as suffering. The decaying carcass of a bird was found within a bird cage.
Almost all of the dogs had matted coats and a number required dental treatments.
Glendinning made no effort to engage with the Animal Welfare Officer and failed to attend a formal interview in relation to the matter.
At the hearing District Judge Trainor sentenced Glendinning to a six months custodial sentence relating to the Section 4 offence and a three months custodial sentence relating to the Section 9 offence.
The custodial sentences will run concurrently and are suspended for two years.
The Judge also ordered a Disqualification Order prohibiting Ms Glendinning from keeping animals for 10 years along with an award of costs to the Council.
A council spokesperson commented: “We are committed to ensure the welfare of animals across our borough and will continue to investigate all instances of animal welfare concerns brought to our attention, using all enforcement powers available to us to take action against anyone guilty of causing neglect or cruelty to animals. We would also ask the public if they have any concerns regarding the safety or welfare of an animal to report it to the council on T: 028
3751 5800 or email animalwelfare@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk”
