Pair banned from keeping animals after Shih Tzu found in ‘very poor condition’

Two men have been banned from keeping animals after a tiny Shih Tzu dog was found in ‘very poor body condition’.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Mr Daniel McKenna and Mr James McKenna, both of Carrickvale Manor, Lurgan, have been found guilty of offences under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 following prosecution in Craigavon Departmental Court, sitting before Deputy District Judge Trainor at Craigavon Courthouse on Tuesday 4 May 2021.

A spokesperson for Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council said: “Both defendants were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to ensure the welfare of a Shih Tzu type dog.

“On 14 February 2020 a Council Animal Welfare Officer visited the home of both defendants following a complaint regarding the welfare of a dog.

The Shih Tzu was observed to have lesions on its skin and the animal’s coat was severely matted.The Shih Tzu was observed to have lesions on its skin and the animal’s coat was severely matted.
The Shih Tzu was observed to have lesions on its skin and the animal’s coat was severely matted.

“The dog was found to be very thin with a very poor body condition.

“The Shih Tzu was observed to have lesions on its skin and the animal’s coat was severely matted.

“The dog was assessed by a veterinary surgeon who determined the animal to be suffering unnecessarily. Both men accepted responsibility for the dog. The animal was taken into council care and has subsequently been successfully rehomed.

“In court there was no appearance from James and Daniel McKenna and both parties were convicted in their absence, fined £100 each, ordered to pay care costs of £215.64 each, pay £15 levy each, pay legal costs of £60 each plus a Disqualification Order from keeping any animals was granted in respect of both defendants for a period of two years.”

A Council spokesperson commented: “There is no excuse, under any circumstances, for acts of animal neglect such as this.

“We will continue to pursue those that fail to care for the welfare of animals and will use all enforcement powers available to us to take action against anyone guilty of causing harm or cruelty.

“We would ask if anyone has any concerns regarding the safety or welfare of an animal to report it to the council on T: 028 3751 5800 or email [email protected]

-

-

NI firm to create 25 new jobs after multi-million pound contracts awarded Read full story here

-

-

--

Editor’s Message:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.