Antrim Man Sentenced for Causing Unnecessary Suffering to a Dog

Proceedings followed an investigation by the Council’s Animal Welfare Officer who had been informed that a man was seen hitting his dog and a that a video had been taken. This was subsequently provided to the Animal Welfare officer who viewed the footage and a male could be seen punching the dog repeatedly and also grabbing the dog by the muzzle and wrenching her neck back. The officer applied for a search warrant and executed this at the property. One young collie was found to be tethered inside the property to a fridge by a short lead. The dog was removed and transported to the Council vet for examination and was found to have a laceration on its tongue and neck pain from the incident.

The Council vet reported,

“In the first video, he grabbed the dog, held her mouth shut while twisting her neck and repeatedly punched her with a closed fist. In the videos you can hear the dog yelping in pain as the man punches her. In the second video the man is holding the dog by her neck and slamming her down to the ground. He then proceeds to again hold her mouth shut and twist her neck and then shakes her in position. Again in this footage her yelps of pain are audible and she tries to pull away from him. When she does get away from him she cowers under the table outside away from the man”.

On 25 June 2026, District Judge Broderick imposed a 10 year disqualification order and a community service order for 240 hours. He also awarded legal costs of £155 and £32 of court costs.

Commenting on the case a spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said:

“The Council gives a high priority to the welfare of domestic pets and horses and operates a rigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance with  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 I hope serves as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals”.