CONVICTED (2024) | Dillon McCombe, born c. 2000, of Glynn Road, Larne BT40 3AY – left his pet lurcher in pain with an untreated broken leg.
McCombe pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog – a lurcher known as Dexter. He was prosecuted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.
Proceedings followed an investigation by the council’s Animal Welfare Officer who had been advised that McCombe was told his dog needed urgent medical treatment for a suspected broken leg.
On September 18, 2023, Animal Welfare Officers executed a search warrant at the property and seized Dexter who was unable to bear weight on his injured leg and was clearly in discomfort and pain.
The dog was transported to a vet appointed by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, who assessed the extent of the injury and concluded that Dexter was in considerable discomfort.
Scans of the injury confirmed a fracture on the dog’s left hind leg.
Given the correct treatment and care, Dexter recovered and was successfully rehomed to a new owner via an animal charity.
Sentencing | 240 hours of community service. Five-year disqualification order applicable only to dogs (expires August 2029).