Owner fined and disqualified for causing unnecessary suffering to dogs

A Dromore man has been fined and disqualified from keeping dogs after he admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs.
Rottweiler with head injury treated by vet.Rottweiler with head injury treated by vet.
Rottweiler with head injury treated by vet.

Mr Ian Poots of Dublinhill Road, Dromore has been fined and disqualified from keeping dogs after pleading guilty at Newry Magistrates Court on Monday, December 5.

In January 2015 a Rottweiler was found at Mr Poots’ property with a significant head injury which had not received appropriate medical treatment.

Mr Poots was ordered to pay a fine of £50 and costs of £234. He was also given a two-year disqualification order. A second charge was brought against Mr Poots in December 2015 when he failed to seek medical treatment for a Belgian Shepherd with a skin condition, which had worsened due to the poor conditions in which it had been kept. He was ordered to pay a fine of £50, costs of £234 and given a two year disqualification order.

Mr Poots also pleaded guilty for failing to provide a suitable environment, diet and protection from suffering, injury and disease for five other dogs and six puppies in his care and was again ordered to pay a fine of £50, costs of £200 and given a two year disqualification. The charges were brought by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council following an investigation by Animal Welfare Officers.

A Council spokesperson welcomed the court’s ruling, they said: “I hope this case serves as a warning to others who fail to take appropriate care of animals. We operate a rigorous enforcement policy and will not hesitate to prosecute any individual who neglects, mistreats or fails in their duty to provide the minimum standards of care.”

The Council would encourage the public to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of mistreatment or cruelty to our Animal Welfare team on 3751 5800. The Council will investigate all complaints thoroughly and take formal action where necessary such as issuing Improvement Notices or, in extreme cases, seizing animals.