Concerns have been raised over the growing number of animal cruelty cases in the ABC borough.
Councillor Kyle Moutray has asked to be briefed on the number of animal cruelty cases reported within the ABC Borough, and on the legal means at the local authority’s disposal to ensure that offenders are prosecuted.
It comes following an incident whereby a cat was scalded with hot water in the Westland Road area of Portadown.
Speaking at last Monday’s (March 24) ABC monthly meeting, the DUP representative for Portadown DEA stated: “I want to raise some very valid concerns on behalf of my constituents.
“Recently there have been two instances of really graphic, heart-breaking, abject cruelty towards household pets in Portadown.
“Whether you’re a pet owner yourself, we all must recognise and agree that animal cruelty cannot and should not go unpunished in Northern Ireland.
“Councils do have a responsibility for the enforcement of the Welfare of Animals Act 2011.
“In respect of non-farmed animals, I think this role of council is often quite overlooked, it’s perhaps not something we as members engage with enough on, but it’s crucial that we get it right.
“It has recently been reported that there has been a year-on-year rise in the number of animal cruelty complaints across all councils in Northern Ireland, and offenders must be held to account.
“To this end, I would ask that a report is brought back to the Environmental Services committee, detailing the number of Animal Welfare complaints received in 2024, and the degree to which council are currently equipped to deliver a timely, robust and consistent approach, to ensure that animals are protected by law.”
Councillors from right across the council chamber indicated they supported Cllr Moutray’s proposal.
