CONVICTED (2017) | Darryl Smyth, born c. 1985, of 45 Hawthorn Avenue, Carrickfergus BT38 8ED – for neglect and starvation of a Staffordshire bull terrier
Smyth pleaded guilty to the charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog that was in his care and failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of the animal were met.
The charges were brought against Smyth by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and related to a Staffordshire bull terrier that was very underweight, with ribs, spine and pelvic bones protruding.
There was also inadequate shelter provided for this dog, having been left out in torrential rain the night before the Animal Welfare Officer called out to the property.
Sentencing: 160 hours of community service; ordered to pay veterinary fees of £206.24 and legal costs of £66. Disqualified from keeping dogs for three years (expired June 2020).