Couple convicted after council and PSNI intervene over welfare concerns
Two people from Islandbawn Drive, Antrim, have been sentenced at Antrim Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to separate offences under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 following the discovery of a severely malnourished terrier-cross at their home.
Jason Gallagher pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the animal’s welfare contrary to Section 9 of the Act. Aleshia McLaverty admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the dog, contrary to Section 4. Both received suspended prison sentences and were prohibited from keeping animals for five years.
Evidence from police body-worn footage and council vet
The prosecution followed a report by police officers who observed a dog at the property which appeared underweight and living in dirty conditions. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Animal Welfare Team attended later the same day.
Although the occupants had cleaned the property before council officers arrived, police body-worn camera footage retained by the authorities showed the conditions in which the animal had been living. Council officers removed the dog and arranged veterinary assessment.
"The dog was a one-year-old, approximately, entire male wheaten-coloured terrier cross. He was severely malnourished and underweight, weighing just 6.9kg, with a body condition score of 1/5. He also had very overgrown nails... I certified this animal as suffering due to his body condition score, inadequate environment and unsanitary conditions."
The quotation above is taken from the council vet’s report, which recorded that on physical examination the animal had normal vital signs but was "very hungry when offered food" and was certified as suffering.
Local enforcement and the court outcome
Officers from the council’s Animal Welfare Team acted on the PSNI referral and removed the dog to receive veterinary care. The court heard the animal was approximately one year old and had the lowest possible body condition score on the five-point scale.
At sentencing on Wednesday 26 August, the defendants were met with custodial sentences which were suspended and were also subject to a five-year ban on keeping animals. The case was brought under provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.
What the facts show and local implications
- Location: Islandbawn Drive, Antrim.
- Animal: Male wheaten-coloured terrier cross, ~1 year old, weighed 6.9kg.
- Offences: Failure to ensure animal welfare (Section 9); causing unnecessary suffering (Section 4).
- Outcome: Suspended prison sentences and five-year ban on keeping animals.
The case underlines the role of joint working between the PSNI and council animal welfare officers when concerns about pet welfare are raised. It also illustrates how evidence from police body-worn cameras can influence investigations when conditions at a property are altered before an inspection.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendants | Jason Gallagher; Aleshia McLaverty |
| Charges | Failure to ensure welfare (Section 9); Causing unnecessary suffering (Section 4) |
| Animal condition | Weighed 6.9kg; body condition score 1/5; overgrown nails; very hungry when fed |
| Sentence | Suspended prison sentences; five-year ban on keeping animals |
Wider community concerns and next steps
The sentencing will be noted by local residents concerned about animal welfare and by those who monitor enforcement of public and animal health standards. The council has an established Animal Welfare Team responsible for investigating such incidents, and this case may prompt further public reminders about responsibilities for pet care and the processes for reporting concerns.
Anyone in the Antrim area who suspects an animal is being neglected or is in distress is advised to contact the PSNI or the council’s animal welfare service so officers can investigate and, where necessary, take action to protect the animal.
