THE USPCA has referenced an animal cruelty case in Fermanagh in its call for a review of animal welfare sentencing in Northern Ireland.

This week, the charity launched The Case for Change report, which outlines key changes to sentencing guidance in recent years in England and Wales and calls for an update to current guidance for courts in Northern Ireland.

The USPCA believes this will help protect the most vulnerable animals in society and reduce reoffending.

A number of cases studies have been explored by the charity following the release of this report, including the sentencing of a woman in Enniskillen for causing unnecessary suffering to a dog in 2018.

During the incident, an emaciated Springer Spaniel was found wandering in Enniskillen with an open wound infested with maggots. It had been suffering for a number of months and later had to be humanely destroyed. 

The dog's owner was fined, handed a five-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was disqualified from keeping animals for a five-year period.

However, the USPCA said this sentence did not reflect the severity of the cruelty inflicted on the animal. 

Calling for tougher sentences, USPCA Chief Executive Nora Smith said: “Animals experience positive and negative feelings such as pleasure, joy, pain, and distress, as recognized in the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022. Despite this, animals continue to suffer unnecessary and horrific cruelty.

“In Northern Ireland, thousands of animal welfare issues are reported every year, with 5,916 reported in 2021 and 6,691 in 2022 to local councils alone.

“Sentencing is a complex and nuanced process; however, in England and Wales, guidelines have been updated regularly. Northern Ireland is lagging behind and needs to reform its approach to animal welfare offences.

We were delighted to receive cross-party support for the report’s launch, and we look forward to working with all parties and the All-Party Group on Animal Welfare to take forward the recommendations.”

Chair of the All-Party Group on Animal Welfare, John Blair MLA, said: “The All-Party Group welcomes the launch of this report and fully supports the recommendations from the USPCA.

" For too long, we have seen those responsible for some of the cruellest acts of animal welfare offences receiving sentences that do not match the crime. The All-Party Group looks forward to working with the USPCA and others to start the process of updating our sentencing guidance.”

Vice Chair of the All-Party Group on Animal Welfare  Robbie Butler MLA added:“It is crucial that our laws reflect the seriousness of animal welfare offences. 

"By updating our sentencing guidance, we send a clear message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated. I commend the USPCA for their leadership in this important piece of research.”

The report contains eight recommendations aimed at strengthening sentencing guidance on animal welfare offences and ensuring that those responsible for this cruelty receive fitting sentences that reflect the seriousness of their actions.