CONVICTED (2020) | Christina Maria Lines, born c. 1980, of Bengore Gardens, Larne BT40 2AW – neglected two dogs and failed to get treatment for their health conditions

In an animal welfare prosecution case brought by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, part-time teaching assistant Christina Lines pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a Pomeranian called Poppy and a Jack Russell cross known as Odie.

Poppy had a ten centimetre diameter tumour growth on her abdomen. This was rupturing and required emergency surgery. Her nails were grossly overgrown due to lack of wear and fleas were found on her coat.

The breed of the second dog, Odie, was at first difficult to determine as he was suffering severe chronic hair loss and his entire body was affected by a skin condition known as Lichenification. This condition, which is marked by thick, blackened skin similar to that of an elephant, is allergy-based and often caused by fleas.

Both dogs were taken into the Council’s possession and given the necessary treatment. The examining vet concluded that both of these dogs were suffering.

Lines’ lawyer told the court that his client needed some “re-education”, adding that she had been treating the dogs’ conditions with homeopathic remedies none of which had been prescribed a vet. He said this was due to financial constraints.

Worryingly, the defence lawyer told the court that his client and her 17-year-old son have gone on to acquire two new dogs. Lines’ financial situation was said to have improved. She had also taken out pet insurance and engaged the services of a behavioural therapist and dog walker.

The court heard there had been kenneling and veterinary costs of £2,109 and the defence lawyer said that was because of delays in the case caused by the pandemic. There were also legal costs of £400 and court costs of £152 and the lawyer said the defendant was not in a position to pay it all.

The defence lawyer said if his client was banned from keeping dogs it would send out a message to the public that “if you re-educate yourself and make progress during the course of a council investigation it will bear no fruit”.

He said the defendant was “quite distraught” at the prospect of having her current dogs taken from her.

Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer imposed financial penalties totaling £500, and ordered the defendant to pay £500 towards Council’s veterinary and kenneling costs and £400 towards legal costs.

An application by Council to disqualify the defendant from keeping of animals was refused by the Court.

The Council said the dogs removed from Lines’ care were successfully rehomed.

Sentencing; £900 towards costs. No ban or other penalties.

Source: Ballymena Daily (article removed).