Police have welcomed the conviction of a man for shooting a dog without lawful excuse.
Appearing at Newry Magistrates’ Court, Alan Sloan was fined £200 for the offence and given a conditional discharge for having excess ammunition.
Inspector Kieran Quinn said: “This was a particularly distressing incident for the family of the much loved pet Bo and indeed the wider community.
“Bo helped the family through a very difficult time in their lives and was a beautiful animal.
“I was pleased with the guilty plea by Sloane and wish to thank the PPS and prosecution barrister for achieving this outcome.
“Whilst police would always urge dog owners to ensure their animals are under control, we would also urge landowners to seek other methods of resolving the matter, should a dog get on their land. Shooting should always be the last resort.
“As a nation of animal lovers, we see our pets as family members. When they are hurt we worry, and when they pass away we grieve.
“It is only right that those who were found responsible for the attack on this beloved family pet were brought to justice and as a result have been punished by the court.”
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