CONVICTED (2021) | horse trader Francis McWilliams, born 11 August 1959, of 58A Kilhoyle Road, Drumsurn, Limavady BT49 0PU – starved and neglected four horses

Francis McWilliams, a traveller, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a Chestnut horse and to failing to ensure the welfare of three other horses, on the Boleran Road, Garvagh.

The charges were brought against McWilliams by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.

Animal welfare officers from the council visited the field in Garvagh and found a number of horses to be in poor condition, with their ribs, spines and pelvic bones protruding. When no owner presented themselves despite cards left over a period of seven days, four horses were taken into the Council’s possession after a vet attended with an officer and instructed that they should be removed.

The vet concluded that the horses were in poor physical condition and were suffering due lack of adequate nutrition.

Sentencing: eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for three years; total costs of £7267. Disqualified from keeping horses for five years (expires July 2026).

Causeway Coast Community
Coleraine Times