Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon councillors say they are shocked by Lurgan dog cruelty case
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Councillors have said they are shocked by the recent deaths of two dogs in Lurgan.
The dogs died after being seemingly abandoned at a property in Sloanhill Court, in Lurgan.
A 47-year-old man has been charged with abandoning an animal and causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
He is due to appear before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, September 9.
The incident prompted an outcry over how it was handled by the authorities and a protest was staged at the ABC council offices last week.
The council issued a statement saying: “As police enquiries are ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific circumstance of the matter at this stage.”
The incident was discussed at this week’s monthly council meeting.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary O’Dowd (SF) highlighted a PSNI statement which asked the public not to speculate or comment on the case.
Concurring with the Lord Mayor, Alderman Stephen Moutray (DUP) commented: “My thoughts at this difficult time are with the neighbours, the council staff, PSNI and Arbour Housing who have had involvement in such a horrific event.
“I have, with others, attended numerous meetings and I’m aware of the chronological order of events and visits.
“Hopefully the course of law will take its place in due course and a conviction will be brought forward.”
Also expressing horror at the tragic incident, Councillor Peter Haire (DUP) said: “I concur with all that the last two people who took part there [have said].
“When I heard about the horrific circumstances involving two dogs in Sloanhill Court in Lurgan, I must confess that I was deeply upset.
“Sloanhill Court is within my council area, which makes this case particularly close to home for me as a local councillor, and as somebody who cares deeply about animal welfare.
“I have a dog myself, Buddy, who is not simply a pet but a much-loved member of our family.
“I find it extremely difficult to get these two dogs out of my mind. I cannot understand how any animal could be allowed to suffer in such circumstances.
“Over the past week, much of the public [discussion] has understandably focused on the agencies involved and responses to what was discovered. Those questions must be properly examined and, if there are lessons to be learned, then those lessons must be acted upon.
“However, we must not lose sight of the two animals at the centre of this tragedy.
“As proceedings are ongoing, it’s important that we allow the justice system to take its course.
“At the same time, this case should make us all reflect on our responsibility towards animals.
“Dogs depend extremely on their owners for food, water, shelter, care and protection. They have no voice of their own and cannot simply walk away from neglect.
“I believe the agencies involved must now work together to ensure that the circumstances around this case are fully examined and that lessons are learned.
“If there are shortcomings in the system, we must understand what happened and [ensure] that appropriate changes are put in place.”
Councillor Kyle Savage (UUP) referred to the sense of shock which was widely felt at community level, once the distressing incident came to light.