ANIMAL WELFARE CONVICTION FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION BY DERRY CITY AND STRABANE DISTRICT COUNC
15 March 2021
Michelle Monteith, from Shanog Road, Castlederg, Co. Tyrone was convicted at Strabane Departmental Court sitting in Omagh Courthouse on Thursday 11 March 2021, of causing unnecessary suffering to a rottweiler type dog, on 5th February 2019. The complaint was brought against Ms Monteith by Derry City and Strabane District Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.
Proceedings followed an investigation by the Council’s Animal Welfare Officers, following a complainant received. Animal Welfare Officers visited Ms Monteith’s former property on a number of occasions and in a follow up visit in January 2019, a growth could be seen on the dogs back leg which the dog was eating. The rear yard was covered in faeces and rubbish.
An Improvement Notice was issued for the dog to be taken to a vet for treatment and a health check, the back yard to be cleaned and cleanliness maintained. However, the Improvement Notice was not complied with and the dog was eventually signed over to the Council by Ms Monteith.
The dog was subsequently taken to the Council instructed vet, who upon examination, confirmed that the dog was suffering.
District Judge McGarrity imposed a three month custodial sentence suspended for two years and disqualified Ms Monteith from keeping any animals for a period of two years. The defendant was also ordered to pay legal costs totalling £260 and veterinary Costs of £329.69.