Lifetime ban keeping dogs for local man

Lifetime ban keeping dogs for local man

20 September 2017

A PORTAFERRY man has been banned from keeping animals for life after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to a pet dog.

Daniel Gerrard Taggart, of Rockfield Drive, was also given a three-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay costs of almost £1,000 when he appeared at Newtownards Court this week.

Taggart’s dog was seized from his house by Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Animal Welfare Officer after a vet confirmed the dog was suffering. 

The vet reported it was the worst case of toe nail overgrowth he had ever seen in over 13 years of practice. The vet estimated the nails would have taken at least 18 months to get into the condition they were in, making it highly unlikely that the dog received any exercise in a long time.

District Judge Philip Mateer said he had to send a clear message to the public that this behaviour would not be tolerated.

Mr Mateer accepted the mitigating factors that were given on behalf of the defendant, but still said that regardless of anything else that any person has to deal with in life, if they are responsible for the care of an animal, then they must meet all the needs of the animal.

Speaking after the case, David Lindsay, the council’s Director of Environment, said the conviction underlined the Council’s zero tolerance approach to animal cruelty and neglect.  

“Those found guilty of animal cruelty can face up to five years in prison and we will continue to prosecute offenders,” he said.

“If you are unable to give your pet the care they need, please contact the Council or seek help from one of the many fantastic animal charities in the area.”