Mr Martin Henry of Legahory Court, Craigavon was found guilty of animal welfare offences at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Tuesday 7 June 2022, sitting before District Judge Trainor.
Mr Henry 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.
On 6 November 2019 a Council Animal Welfare Officer visited a property in relation to a complaint regarding the welfare of animals kept at the property.
On arrival the Animal Welfare Officer observed five dogs all of which were living in extremely poor environmental conditions without access to fresh water or food. The Council contracted vet attended the property and certified that the animals were suffering and they were subsequently removed. All of the dogs were voluntarily signed over to the Animal Welfare Service, including a Jack Russell type dogowned by Mark Henry.
Following a guilty plea by Mr Henry, District Judge Trainor imposed a custodial sentence of 6 months imprisonment in respect of three charges of uncesessary suffering and 3 months imprisonment in respect of three charges of ensuring the welfare of animals, such custodial sentences are to run concurrently and were suspended for 2 years.
The Judge also ordered a Disqualification Order prohibiting Mr Henry from keeping animals for a period of 10 years along with an award of costs.
A council spokesperson commented: Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council will continue to investigate any reports of animal cruelty or mistreatment brought to our attention, using all powers available to us. If anyone is aware of any such instances or concerned for the safety of an animal please report this to us on T: 028 3751 5800 or email to help us protect animals across our borough.
