Animal rights group calls for stronger sentences for abusers

An animal rights group has expressed their fears for local animals safety.

The campaign group, Justice for Animals, say they are “committed to protecting the rights and welfare of animals.”

Justice for Animals said they have been alarmed by the PSNI's response to a number of incidents in the County Derry area. 

A spokesperson from Justice for Animals said: “The PSNI have stated that "until there’s a conviction in court, nothing is banning animals abusers from keeping animals."

This is absolutely disgraceful and highlights the glaring inadequacies in Northern Ireland's animal protection laws.

“The lack of action from the authorities raises serious concerns about a potential cover-ups or a failure to take this matter seriously.

“We urgently need stronger laws, stricter enforcement, and greater transparency from our authorities. Animals in our community deserve better protection from such dangerous individuals.”

The group believes that now is the time to raise their voices and demand justice. The campaign group says they are “committed to protecting the rights and welfare of animals.”

The spokesperson said: “We need your help to shine a light on this horrific situation and push for the necessary changes to prevent further abuse.”

The group was established in 2023 after several people got together in Derry following the widely publicised death of an American Bull Terror, called Luna.

Luna was subjected to months of neglect and received ‘multiple injuries’ including broken teeth and broken bones. The dog was also emaciated.

Luna had to be put down due to severe internal injuries.

Peter Toland was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to Luna in December last year.

Passing sentence, District Judge Ted Magill said the offences were 'utterly despicable'.

He said 'basic humanity' dictated that a duty of care was owed to animals in our care and, in this case, Toland had failed 'to carry out the most basic care'.

He jailed Toland for nine months.

Justice for Animals protested outside Bishop Street courthouse throughout the case.

Following the case, the group decided to keep campaigning in order to bring a change to animal cruelty legislation.

The spokesperson said: “We hold protests to hold abusers accountable and push for better protection for animals. We also rescue animals from bad situations and help them find loving homes.

“We pay for vet bills for getting animals neutered and do our best to get them good loving homes. We don’t get any funding to do this. We rely on fundraisers and support from the local community.

“A lot of people have to give away their animals nowadays due to the financial crisis. We are trying to prevent that by offering people help and support. So if people are struggling financially we can donate animal food to their family.

“We support and work alongside other animal charities such as Rainbow Rehoming and Saint Columb’s Animal Rescue by arranging fundraisers to help them continue their work.”

Recently the group held a sponsored walk in Ebrington that raised a total of £360 for the hour they fundraised. The group has members from all across the North who attend protests and campaigns.

The spokesperson called: “The law is grossly inadequate and the legislation is not being adhered to. That includes the Animal Welfare associations in local councils.

“Right now many abusers only get a slap on the wrist. They don’t even get a life ban from owning animals so they can go on and do it again if they feel like it.

“Around the time of the Luna case a report was published that shared that since 2018 a total 378 people have been prosecuted for animal abuse and 274 were convicted, only 33 were sent to jail.

“We do this because animals are creatures that feel pain and suffer in many ways. They actually suffer more than humans. We have the ability to speak out, they don’t. We protest to draw attention to this vitally important issue. We want to continue to rally public support.

“If people protest then a strong message is being sent that change is needed. It also puts pressure on lawmakers, companies and communities to take action. It also helps to raise awareness and spark conversations.”

A big issue that the group raised is illegal dog fighting.

“These abusers video innocent dogs fighting and they bet on them. It is shocking.

“Research shows if you abuse animals then you are almost certain to go on to abusing and killing humans. You can see that in some of the world’s biggest serial killers.

“These people know they are going to get away with it so that is satisfying these individuals. It is all about power and control. It is the same as rape and murder.

“It saddens me to say that animal abuse has become so prevalent in our city and county that people seem to think there is not much that can be done about it.

“People are probably saying to themselves ‘what is the point in me standing up and protesting when law enforcement aren’t even adhering to the law’.”

The group also brought up the topic of XL Bully Dogs. The breed has made the news recently in the North with calls for owners to apply for an exemption certificate.

“XL Bullies aren’t the problem, it is the owners. We are aware of at least one owner that was in court for animal abuse and now owns an XL bully.

“They aren’t focusing on the animals and the pain they are suffering at the hands of abusive owners. It has been reported to animal welfare so many times and they aren’t even going out to check. They aren’t checking up on people with records of abuse and bans.”

The group called for greater engagement from local politicians and schools in combating animal cruelty.

“There has been political involvement and change but not enough. It is difficult to get people involved in campaigning, especially the youth.

“We think it would be a good idea to get young people educated early on this issue in schools.

“When it comes to animal abusers of course they should be getting proper jail sentences but they should also be given an education programme and awareness about animals.”

You can find the group on Facebook @ Justice For Animals.