Downpatrick Residents Convicted of Animal Welfare Offences
A Downpatrick couple have been charged in court for failing to look after their dog following visits from a council officer and a vet.
On 6 September 2023 in Downpatrick Magistrates Court, Ms Jacqueline Forbes and Mr Kial Leng, of Struell Avenue Downpatrick, were both convicted of animal welfare offences.
These were under Section 4 & 9 of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 for causing unnecessary suffering to a dog in their care.
It also included for failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the welfare needs of the animal was being met.
Ms Jacqueline Forbes was also convicted of failing to comply with an improvement notice under Section 10 of the ‘Act’ by failing to seek veterinary advice and treatment for a dog in her care.
Ms Jacqueline Forbes was fined £150 for each of the three charges and ordered to pay half of the Council’s vet bill of £540, in addition to £150 legal costs.
Mr Leng’s sentencing had been adjourned awaiting a pre-sentence report.
On Thursday 19 October 2023, Mr Kial Leng was sentenced to three months in custody, suspended for two years for each charge under Section 4 & 9 of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011, to run concurrently.
He was also ordered to pay the Council’s costs of £540 and £150 legal costs.
The charges were brought by Newry Mourne and Down District Council under the provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.
This followed from a report that was received on 24 January 2020 concerning the welfare of an Akita type dog kept at the property. The reporter was concerned for the welfare of the animal.
On arrival at the property on the 28 January 2020, the Council’s Animal Welfare Officer observed an Akita type dog chained at the front of the property.
The area was mucky and faeces visible around the kennel. The dog had a dull and dirty coat and was in poor body condition with the ribs, hip and spine visible.
Ms Forbes was issued with an Improvement Notice in respect of this dog specifying that veterinary treatment should be sought.
The Council conducted a follow up visit on the 12 February 2020.
The Animal Welfare Officer obtained a search warrant and revisited the property accompanied by a Veterinary Surgeon. Following assessment, the vet certified that the Akita type dog was to be removed from the property.
A spokesperson from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said: “This ruling will hopefully serve as a reminder that anyone who owns domestic pets, must take proper steps to care for them.
“This is required under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.
“The Council will take action against anyone found failing to ensure the welfare of an animal, and if necessary, they will be brought before the courts and dealt with appropriately.
“Cases of cruelty and neglect can be reported to the Council Animal Welfare team who will use enforcement powers to fully investigate all cases and take formal action.
“This action may include the issuing of Improvement Notices, and in the most serious of cases, removing animals and prosecuting offenders.”
The Animal Welfare team can be contacted on 028 3751 5800:
or email:
