Derry dog owner receives custodial sentence for abandoning Shih Tzu

A Derry dog owner has received a custodial sentence and has been banned from keeping animals for life following a successful prosecution by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
By Staff Reporter
Published 30th Nov 2020, 12:02 BST
Updated 30th Nov 2020, 12:15 BST
An image of the kitchen taken by animal welfare officers.An image of the kitchen taken by animal welfare officers.
An image of the kitchen taken by animal welfare officers.

Ms Kerri Ogilby , of Great James Street, was sentenced at Derry Magistrates' Court, after previously being convicted in May 2019 for abandoning without reasonable cause, causing unnecessary suffering and failing to ensure the welfare of her Shih Tzu type dog, on December 24, 2017.

The charges were brought against Ms Ogilby by the Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Proceedings followed an investigation by Council's Animal Welfare Officers, following concerns raised by a member of the public, in December 2017.

A second photograph of the dog in the living room of the property.A second photograph of the dog in the living room of the property.
A second photograph of the dog in the living room of the property.

Animal Welfare Officers entered the defendant's property and found a grey and white Shih Tzu type male dog locked inside a small bathroom.

The dog had no access to food or water. The floor of the bathroom had faeces, shredded toilet roll and empty alcohol containers.

The dog's hip bones and ribs could be clearly felt through its thick coat. The dog was seized by animal welfare officers on recommendation of the Council instructed vet.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Upon examination, the vet confirmed that the dog was suffering due to poor body condition, dehydration and abandonment.

The dog was taken to the Animal Welfare Care and Collection provider, where it received veterinary checks and treatment.

The dog was eventually signed over by the Animal Owner and with the assistance of the DCSDC Dog Warden was successfully re homed.

District Judge McElhom imposed on the defendant a sentence of six months imprisonment on each charge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ms Ogilby was disqualified for life from keeping or caring for any animals in any manner and was ordered to pay costs totalling £700.

Ms Ogilby was convicted in respect of causing unnecessary suffering to, abandoning without reasonable cause and failing to ensure the welfare of this dog, which are offences contrary to section 4, 9 and 14 of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.

The defendant has her time served on remand.