ALESSIA DI LIVIO'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN WARINGSTOWN REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Waringstown, Craigavon, the court has handed down a severe sentence to Alessia Di Livio, a known backyard breeder who has since passed away. The case brought to light the appalling conditions and neglectful treatment of multiple dogs under her care, highlighting serious breaches of animal welfare laws.

It was on May 12, 2020, that authorities first received a complaint from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) concerning one of Di Livio’s dogs. An officer from the PSNI visited her property on Windsor Close and observed that one of her dogs was missing an ear. The officer noted that there had been no attempt by Di Livio to seek veterinary treatment for the injury, raising immediate concerns about the dog's welfare.

Following this, the dog was taken to a local veterinary clinic for assessment. The veterinary staff, alarmed by the untreated ear injury, contacted the Animal Welfare Service to report the situation. An investigation was swiftly launched, and the dog was subsequently taken into the custody of the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, ensuring it received proper care.

The very next day, a council animal welfare officer, accompanied by PSNI officers, visited Di Livio’s residence. During this inspection, serious concerns were raised regarding the health and living conditions of three other dogs kept at the property. All three animals were found to be underweight, indicating neglect and poor care. The welfare officer immediately contacted a veterinarian, and as a result, all four dogs were removed from Di Livio’s property under Section 17 of the Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act 2011. They were placed into the care of the council to ensure their safety and proper treatment.

In court, Judge Trainor described the case as “a shocking situation” and emphasized the gravity of the neglect involved. He pointed out that the case represented “one of extreme seriousness that involved the sustained and continuous neglect of animals.” The judge sentenced Di Livio to a six-month custodial sentence, which was suspended for two years, along with a fine of £500 for causing unnecessary suffering to one dog. Additionally, she received four separate three-month custodial sentences, also suspended for two years, for failing to ensure the welfare of her dogs. These sentences are to run concurrently.

Furthermore, Di Livio was ordered to pay a fine of £1,000, cover care costs amounting to £5,821.37, and legal costs of £184. Her ban from keeping animals has been set for ten years, effectively prohibiting her from owning or caring for any animals during this period. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the need for vigilance against neglect and cruelty in the community of Waringstown and beyond.