Ms Lisa Glendinning of Marlborough Pk, Lurgan was found guilty of animal welfare offences at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Tuesday 07 June 2022, sitting before District Judge Trainor.
Ms 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 Ms. 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 the 11 November 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. Ms 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 Ms Glendinning to a 6 months custodial sentence relating to the Section 4 offence and a 3 months custodial sentence relating to the Section 9 offence. Such custodial sentence will run concurrently and are suspended for 2 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 ”
