A LOCAL man has been fined after for running an illegal dog breeding ‘establishment’ being found with scores of “feral” dogs and pups.
Keith Lindsay of Oakfield Road, Letterbreen, appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court last Tuesday where he pleading guilty to the offence.
The charge arose after enforcement officers Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s dog control team found 32 dogs, three litters of pups and a substantial number of pens. The court was told the pens indicated the operation of a breeding establishment.
The enforcement officer told the court the conditions where the dogs were living were severely below standard and it was clearly evident the dogs were highly agitated and what he can only describe as “feral.” The pens were covered in dog foul and bedding was wet.
The evidence indicated the dogs were not being socialised, and in the officer’s opinion, there was nothing to indicate they were working sheep dogs.
The judge commented that Lindsay, by his own admission, was trying to do things on the cheap rather than spending money on the dog, or dogs, he required.
Lindsay was fined £250 and ordered to pay court cost of £26 and legal costs of £75.
Commenting afterwards a spokesman for the Council, who took the case against Lindsay, said: “Fermanagh and Omagh District Council gives a high priority to the investigation of Offences under Welfare of Animals legislation.
“Complaints are investigated thoroughly and where necessary formal action is taken, such as prosecution for offences as in this case.”
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere