An illegal puppy farmer has been sentenced to 90 MINUTES community service for each of the dogs he caused to suffer unnecessarily.
Patrick Terrence Finn from Ennislare Road, Armagh, was given a total of 80 hours community service for keeping 49 dogs in ‘inadequate, unsuitable and squalid conditions’. They included 17 puppies.
The council described Finn’s trade as “one of the most serious cases of illegal puppy farming and neglect that we have come across” and the USPCA’s chief executive Nora Smith slammed the sentence as an “insult”.
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Finn could have faced imprisonment for a period of up to six months and a fine of up to £5,000 for operating a dog breeding establishment without a licence. Instead he was ordered to cover the cost of the dogs' care in rescue, a sum of £2,560 and was given no jail time.
Ms Smith from the USPCA, said: “We have strong custodial legislation available to the courts yet this individual walks away with a slap on the wrist. It is deeply frustrating and concerning.
“We need to give harsher sentences to send out a clear message, that as a society we will not tolerate or stand for animal cruelty enforcement and strong sentences are the only things that will stop and deter individuals who are inflicting the worst levels of animal cruelty.
“This was a case the USPCA had been closely investigating and it was great to see the response from the Council. In order to catch and stop more of these puppy farmers we would ultimately like to see better partnership working between the USPCA and our local Councils.”
Finn's illegal puppy farm operation was exposed in November 2021 when animal welfare officers and dog wardens from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council carried out a joint investigation at the defendant’s property.
During The searches of a shed they discovered 29 dogs of mixed breeds in foul-smelling and filthy conditions with no water or food. Some were found in pens with heavily soiled bedding while others were kept in pens with bare concrete slabs.
There were obvious signs of neglect, with the majority of the dogs presenting with severely matted hair and overgrown nails.
As the investigation continued, a further three bitches and 17 pups were discovered in a separate poorly-ventilated outbuilding containing heat lamps with no natural light and no food and water.
They too were found in appalling conditions, which exposed them to high levels of infectious and parasitic disease.
Each of the dogs were immediately removed from the property after a vet assessed them to be suffering and in need of proper treatment and care. All dogs were subsequently rehomed with loving families.
Finn pleaded guilty in June to:
- Operating the breeding establishment without a licence contrary to Regulation 4 of The Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013.
- Causing unnecessary suffering and failing to ensure the welfare of animals under Sections 4 and 9 of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.
Speaking after the court ruling, a Council spokesperson said: “This is one of the most serious cases of illegal puppy farming and neglect that we have come across in this council area to date. Hopefully this case brings into sharp focus the need for the public to work closely with the council to take action to stop animal abuse and combat the cruel trade of puppy farming.
“Anyone who truly loves dogs or animals in general needs to understand that using an unlicensed breeder to purchase a pet is effectively supporting an illegal business, often without any consideration of the welfare and environmental needs of the animals being sold.
“Be on your guard when buying a puppy. Always buy from a responsible breeder who puts the health and welfare of the pups first. Always ask to see the mum interacting with her puppies in their place of birth. Look out for the warning signs and report any suspicious activity.
“By bringing illegal sellers to the attention of local authorities, you can help protect animals and give them the best start in life.”
“It is an offence to operate a dog breeding establishment without a licence. It is also an offence to contravene any condition of a licence to keep a dog breeding establishment. The penalty for these offences is a fine of up to £5,000 and imprisonment for a period of up to six months.
“Anyone who owns three or more breeding bitches and intends to breed, advertise, or supply more than three litters of puppies a year for sale, or advertises a business of breeding or selling of puppies, must apply for a dog breeding establishment licence from the Council’s Environmental Health Department on 0300 0300 900.
“If you suspect anyone of animal cruelty or running an illegal breeding establishment, contact the Council’s Animal Welfare Team on 028 3751 5800 or email animalwelfare@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk."
Finn was ordered to pay legal fees and court costs of £330 by District Judge Anne Marshall at Armagh Magistrates Court and told he must cover £2,560 in costs incurred by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for the care of the rescued dogs. He was also disqualified from owning animals for five years.
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