Banned from keeping animals for five years

The charges were brought against Michael Stevens a resident of Curran Road, Larne, by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011. The charges related to findings following an investigation by Animal Welfare Officers regarding offences in October 2014.

Mr Stevens was disqualified from the keeping of animals for a period of five years, given a Conditional Discharge on the basis that he does not reoffend in the next two years, and was also ordered to pay costs of £116.

A spokesman for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: “Council gives a high priority to the welfare of domestic pets and horses and operates a rigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements.

“Complaints are investigated thoroughly and where necessary formal action is taken, which may include the service of Improvement Notices or, in extreme cases, the seizure of animals.

“The Council may also prosecute for offences such as in this case which I hope serves as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals.”