Cruel owner left Sheeba to starve

Mr Felix Curley of Summerhill Drive, Dunmurry was sentenced to three months in prison at Lisburn Magistrates Court after being convicted of two offences under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

The charges related to a German Shepherd type dog that was reported to the Animal Welfare Service and found to be in an extreme state of malnourishment.

The dog was certified by a vet to be suffering and subsequently seized.

The defendant was also banned for keeping all animals for five years and was ordered to pay over £1,800 costs.

The disqualification order was stayed as the defendant lodged an appeal in respect of his conviction.

The defendant was released on his own bail of £500 pending appeal.

The dog has since been returned to full health and has been successfully rehomed.

A spokesperson for Lisburn City Council, who investigated the complaint against the defendant, said: “The 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 offenders are prosecuted.”