Zara Doherty of Glenvarna Drive, Newtownabbey, was sentenced at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on Monday 6 November.
The charge was brought against the woman by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011. Ms Doherty was convicted in her absence after failing to attend court.
Court proceedings followed an investigation by the Council’s Animal Welfare Officer who visited the property January 2023. The welfare officer carried out an abandonment procedure on the property and ascertained that no one had tended to the needs of the animals for several days.
The Animal Welfare Officer executed a warrant and witnessed an underweight dog and cat locked in a room with no access to food and water. The area was dirty with faeces and urine present on the floors.
A Council vet advised removal of the animals from the property.
District Judge Mullan imposed a Custodial Sentence of three months suspended for 12 months. Ms Doherty was also ordered to pay £152 in legal and court costs, £141.14 vet’s costs and £150 towards boarding fees. Ms Doherty was also disqualified from keeping animals for 2 years.
A spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said it was hoped that the conviction would remind the community that the Council can, and will, take every available action to enforce welfare standards:
“The Council puts a high priority on 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. This 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, we hope, serves as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals.”
To find out more about the Council's animal welfare remit, as well as how to report animal welfare concerns, click here.