An Akita dog similar to that found in Irvinestown
AN abandoned female dog and her five pups are to be given a second chance after a judge this week ruled that they could be re-homed as no trace of their owner could be found.
At Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council successfully secured a disposal order in relation to animals.
The Council applied under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 for a Disposal Order for the Japanese Akita and her five pups seized at Burfits Hills in Irvinestown in July.
The court was told that the council had been contacted by the landlord of the property on June 9th who had found the animals in a yard after going to change the locks. The dogs, which were described as being “in good condition”, had access to shelter and water along with two large bags of food.
Neighbours of the property continued to feed the dogs for several days afterwards but the council were then informed that they were “not prepared to do so anymore”. The court heard that an abandonment notice was then placed on the property and council officials entered the house on foot of a search warrant. A local vet was contacted and certified that the dogs could be seized. The council contacted Social Security, the PSNI and Housing Executive in a bid to establish the identity of the previous owners but no trace of them could be found.
After hearing the evidence, district judge Nigel Broderick ordered that the animals be released for re-homing.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have confirmed that they are awaiting the appeal period of 14 days to expire in case the previous owner may still come forward.
A council spokesman told the Herald: “As part of normal operations in relation to animal welfare cases and the re-homing of animals, the Animal Welfare service contacts a number of registered sanctuaries which may take in the animals at risk. In relation to this case, contact has been made with a registered sanctuary and the pups may be taken by the sanctuary once the appeal period has expired.
“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council gives high priority to the welfare of non-farmed animals such as dogs, 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 application for Disposal Order, service of improvement notices or, in extreme cases the seizure of animals. The Council may also prosecute for offences if an owner is known and where the appropriate care of animals is not taken”.
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