Portadown man banned for cruelty to dogs

A PORTADOWN man has been banned from keeping animals for five years after causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs.

Wayne Matchett from Loughgall Road, Portadown, pleaded guilty to welfare offences under Section 4 and 10 of the Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to comply with an Improvement Notice.

Appearing before Newry Magistrates Court on Monday, 2nd March, for sentencing, Matchett was given a Combination Order of 18 months probation and 80 hours community service. A Disqualification Order for five years was also granted.

The charges were brought by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council after a report was received concerning the welfare of two dogs kept at Matchett’s former address in Fort Street, Banbridge.

The Council’s Animal Welfare Officers attended the property and found two German Shepherd cross breeds inside the property. Both dogs were very thin and underweight, their coats were dry and nails overgrown.

The floors of the property were littered with debris, dirt, faeces, urine and potential hazards.

A vet examined the dogs and concluded that both dogs were suffering from dehydration and chronic malnourishment.

The vet recommended that both dogs be taken into the Council’s possession, and they have since been rehomed.

A spokesperson for ABC Council said: “Council gives a high priority to the welfare of domestic pets and horses and operates a rigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements.

“Complaints are investigated thoroughly by Council and where necessary formal action is taken, which may include Improvement Notices, or the seizure of animals. The Council may also prosecute for offences, such as this case, which should serve as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals.”

To report an animal welfare concern, call 02837 515 800 or email animalwelfare@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk (calls and emails will only be responded to during office hours which are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm).

If an animal requires urgent attention, you may wish to contact a local vet.