CONVICTED | puppy trafficker Shannon Mary Bennett, born August 1996, formerly of Meadowvale, Newtownhamilton, Newry BT35 0HW – for cruelty to 10 puppies found stuffed into a tiny cage, with five of them later dying from parvovirus.
Bennett was convicted of two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to two German shepherds and two shih tzus, three counts of failing to ensure the needs of the German shepherds, the shih tzus and six Labradors were met, and one of permitting the Labradors to suffer unnecessarily.
Bennett was prosecuted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council following an investigation.
Council animal welfare officers were called to Larne port in April 2023 after concerns had been raised regarding the condition of puppies found within a van.
Officers found the puppies within a crate that was deemed too small for them.
The van used for transporting the puppies contained no food and had limited water.
An independent vet assessed the puppies and found two dogs had “haemorrhagic diarrhoea”.
All the puppies were found to be underweight and were seized.
Shortly after seizure, five of the puppies contracted parvovirus and died.
The remaining five puppies made a full recovery and were successfully rehomed.
During questioning, Bennett gave contradicting stories on the puppies’ origins and the length of time they had been left in the van or in her care.
Sentencing | 200 hours of community service; £160 costs. 10-year disqualification order on owning or transporting animals (expires July 2034).