Tarra Stewart aged 31, formerly of Gardenmore Place, Larne was sentenced at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 27 November, after previously pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her two crossbreed type dogs.
This is an offence under section 4 of Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011. The charges were brought against Ms Stewart by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.
Proceedings followed an investigation by Council’s Animal Welfare Officer who had received a complaint in July 2023 regarding underweight dogs living in dirty conditions in a rear garden in Larne.
When officers attended the property with a search warrant, they found two crossbreed dogs in the garden, both underweight. The rear garden was filthy with dog faeces.
The Council vet was asked to examine the dogs and the conditions where they were found. The owner was present at the property and voluntarily surrendered the dogs over to Council.
The Council vet provided a report that stated:
“Bella was emaciated. Her ribs, spine and the long bones of the legs were clearly visible, and she had a ravenous appetite. Lilo was also extremely thin and had a ravenous appetite. There was no dog food available at the property for the dogs. The condition of the garden was also unsanitary as it was covered in faeces. I certified both dogs as suffering.”
Both dogs were successfully rehomed.
On 27 November 2024, District Judge Magill imposed a 5-year disqualification order and 150 hours community service and ordered to pay a total of £181 in costs.
Commenting on the case a spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough 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 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.”
Ms Stewart previously pleaded in respect of causing unnecessary suffering of a dog, which are offences contrary to section 4 of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.