CONVICTED (2024) | unlicensed backyard bully breeder Joseph McWilliams aka Joseph Martin, of Upper Meadow Street, New Lodge, Belfast BT15 2FR – for cruelty to a dog found with an untreated facial wound.
McWilliams, who sold American bullies under the name ‘Jays Bullys‘ was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog at his address in north Belfast.
He was also convicted of operating a dog breeding establishment without a licence from the same address.
His convictions followed a prosecution by Belfast City Council.
Council animal welfare officers visited McWilliams’ home on Upper Meadow Street on Monday 1 August 2022 and removed a bully type dog with an untreated wound to the muzzle. The dog was taken for examination by a veterinarian and had to undergo emergency surgery.
Several dogs and puppies were found at a neighbouring address on Upper Meadow Street on 2 August 2022.
Sentencing | a total of 14 months in jail suspended for 12 months for animal cruelty and the offence of operating a dog breeding establishment without a licence; legal and other costs totalling £722. Disqualified from owning all animals for 10 years (expires August 2034).