USPCA: frustration at lenient sentence of puppy farmer who neglected animal

Reacting to the sentencing awarded to a puppy farmer this week, after the seizure of 49 dogs in Co Armagh, Chief Executive of the USPCA Nora Smith said:

 “The sentence of 80 hours of community service and being disqualified from owning animals for five years is an insult.  This particular case has been described as "one of the most serious cases of illegal puppy farming and neglect that we have come across in this council area to date” by the local Council.  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”, says Nora Smith CEO of USPCA.”

 “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.”