Man given community service for kicking dog in Belfast city centre

A Belfast man has today been sentenced to 12 months’ probation and given 60 hours community service for kicking a dog in Belfast city centre.
By Jonathan McCambridge
Published 8th Sep 2020, 14:48 BST
The case was heard at Belfast Magistrates' CourtThe case was heard at Belfast Magistrates' Court
The case was heard at Belfast Magistrates' Court

Belfast City Council took the case against Peter Cowan, from Ainsworth Street, under the Welfare of Animals Act NI 2011.

At an earlier hearing in Belfast Magistrates Court, Mr Cowan pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the needs of a Staffordshire bull terrier type dog in and around August 2017.

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Council’s animal welfare service received video footage from a member of the public which showed a man kicking a dog in Glengall Street in the city. Officers were able to establish the identity of the individual involved and the dog was authorised for seizure by a vet.

Mr Cowan was given a combination order of 12 months’ probation and 60 hours community service. He was also disqualified from keeping animals for five years under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

A council spokesperson said: “We are committed to investigating all complaints and in extreme and harrowing cases such as this investigation, Council will prosecute for offences to serve as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals.”