Northern Ireland says "NO" to Animal Cruelty

02/05/2026

28/04/2026

🚨 CARTER GILPIN from WESTACRES, Craigavon, has been convicted in court over animal cruelty, after a dog was found to be suffering from chronic malnutrition.

He appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 20 for offences under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.

Gilpin was convicted on two counts; namely failing to meet the reasonable needs of a dog and failing to comply with an Improvement Notice served by officers from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

District Judge Heaney remarked that the condition of the dog was distressing and the state of its living quarters in the property was wholly unsuitable.

The case was brought after Council’s Animal Welfare Officers responded to a report and attended the property and found a German Shepherd type dog locked inside the kitchen. The dog appeared thin and the floor of the property was covered in urine and dog faeces.

A vet concluded that the dog was underweight indicating chronic malnutrition and was being kept in unsuitable and unhygienic conditions and was likely to suffer, if not removed from the property.

After hearing mitigation from the defendant’s solicitor, District Judge Heaney imposed a fine of £150 on each charge plus the offender levy of £15 (total of £315.00). An Order was also made for the rehoming of the dog by the Council.
Gilpin has indicated that he will appeal the conviction.

24/04/2026

Sinn Féin have passed a motion to ban fox hunting at their Ard Fheis. 🦊

20/04/2026

Has anyone space for this lovely boy? His time is quickly running out in the shelter.

28/03/2026

One less animal abuser in the world. 👌😂
Rolandas got himself murdered in Portadown.

🚨 Rolandas Kvederis, Thomas Street, Portadown 🚨

Appeared in court today accused of carrying dog ‘in a bag’ before ‘slamming it off the ground’ in Portadown. This was allegedly witnessed by several people who reported to the police and arrested Rolandas on scene.

This lovely chap is already on bail, charged with sexual assault and burglary - of which he appeared in court only two weeks ago.

17/03/2026

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh! 🦊☘️

Happy St. Patrick's Day from all at South Ulster Hunt Sabs!
We see that Ian (the only good foxhunter) has had a makeover for the occasion!

12/03/2026

The attending vet had no option but to put the suffering animal to sleep while a second horse was already dead. https://tinyurl.com/2bhdjdtj

11/03/2026

I will always take you with me and show you why the dark world needs us 💔

Mum a lurcher was taken out hunting.
She never returned.
Leaving four vulnerable babies 🥲

Conversation…..
* Can you take them?
# Are you sure you cant find their Mum?
* Nah Id say she got hurt or killed.
# Yes I’ll take the pups but can you please let me know if you find her?
* Ya sound.

I rang one of our volunteers to go and pick them up as they dont live too far away.

Nothing and I mean nothing could have prepared the poor boy for this….

Put in the bottom of a cold wet smelly Wheelie bin for god knows how long until our volunteer arrived and got them out.

This is the reality of the dark world.

I know we are busy fundraising but I hope you all agree this is a life or death emergency.
These tiny souls deserve that chance.
Will you help me raise the funds they need? 🙏

paypal.me/animalhavenire

09/03/2026

Tag your local politician!

ENGLAND HAS DONE IT — WHY NOT US?

FROM MAY 2026: Landlords in England CANNOT unreasonably refuse a tenant's written pet request. No more automatic "NO PETS" bans!

NORTHERN IRELAND: Tenants still face blanket bans, discrimination, and rejection just for having a pet.

WE DEMAND:
• The same right to request pets in NI rentals
• Landlords must consider requests fairly & reasonably
• End unfair "no pets" clauses that split families
from their beloved animals

PETS ARE FAMILY — NOT A REASON TO BE HOMELESS!

Tell Stormont & the Minister for Communities:
APPLY SIMILAR PROTECTIONS TO NORTHERN IRELAND NOW!

06/03/2026

🚨 WAYNE MATCHETT, Portadown 🚨

Wayne, from Loughall Road, Portadown, has been banned from keeping animals for five years after causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs.

He pleaded guilty to welfare offences as a result of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to comply with an Improvement Notice.

Appearing before Newry Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 2 for sentencing, Matchett was given a Combination Order of 18 months probation and 80 hours community service. A Disqualification Order for five years was also granted.

The charges were brought by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council after a report was received concerning the welfare of two dogs kept at Matchett’s former address in Fort Street, Banbridge.
The Council’s Animal Welfare Officers attended the property and found two German Shepherd cross breeds inside the property.

Both dogs were very thin and underweight, their coats were dry and nails overgrown. The floors of the property were littered with debris, dirt, faeces, urine and potential hazards.
A vet examined the dogs and concluded that both dogs were suffering from dehydration and chronic malnourishment. The vet recommended that both dogs be taken into the Council’s possession, and they have since been re-homed.

A spokesperson for ABC Council said: “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 by Council and where necessary formal action is taken, which may include Improvement Notices, or the seizure of animals. The Council may also prosecute for offences, such as this case, which should serve as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals.”

To report an animal welfare concern, call 02837 515 800 or email [email protected](calls and emails will only be responded to during office hours which are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm).