Transporter convicted at Laganside Court
Date published:
Mr Eugene Daly (41) of Derryfubble Road, Dungannon was convicted at Laganside Court today of one charge of transporting a dog which was not fit for the journey.
Mr Daly pleaded guilty and fined £400 plus £15 offender levy.
The case arose, as part of “Paws for Thought” (DAERA Campaign) which includes enhanced checks on the export of all puppies from Northern Ireland to Great Britain. Checks carried out on exports made by Mr Daly discovered that false destination addresses for the puppies were being provided.
On 10 March 2023, a consignment of puppies belonging to Mr Daly were inspected at Belfast Port by a Veterinary Officer and in their opinion, some of the puppies were not eight weeks old. Many seemed poorly socialised, had extended tummies and a pot-bellied appearance consistent with worm infestation. The bedding in the cages appeared wet and quite heavily soiled considering the puppies had allegedly only been loaded less than two hours previously.
Notes to editors:
- Mr Daly was convicted on one charge of, causing to be transported an animal, namely a canine, which was not fit for the journey, contrary to Regulations 5(1)(a) of the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 and Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005.
- The Department gives high priority to the welfare of animals and operates a vigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements. Any breaches are investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted as necessary.
- In 2020 DAERA launched its multi-agency “Paws for Thought” campaign to help combat puppy smuggling. In addition to standard pre-export checks, efforts were intensified in the run up to Christmas to combat anticipated increased activity. Enhanced checks and targeted monitoring have been carried out at the ports since 2021.
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