ANGELA MCMULLAN FROM NEWTOWNABBEY SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY

In 2019, Angela Michelle McMullan, born on August 12, 1971, and residing on Ballyearl Way, Newtownabbey BT36 5BZ, was convicted of starving her pet dog. McMullan, a mother of three, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her dog under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011, a charge brought by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

On April 9, 2019, council Animal Welfare Officers visited McMullan's property after receiving concerns about a dog. During their initial examination, they found the dog in a severely emaciated condition, with ribs, spine, and pelvic bones clearly visible. They immediately contacted a council veterinarian for further assessment.

The vet identified the dog as a very thin Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross, scoring his body condition at 1 out of 5, indicating extreme thinness. The dog also showed fur loss along his tail, head, and muzzle. The veterinarian confirmed that the dog was suffering and recommended his removal for treatment and care.

Subsequently, the dog was voluntarily surrendered to the council and was successfully re-homed.

In court, McMullan received a two-year conditional discharge, was ordered to pay costs of £437.75, and was disqualified from owning or caring for any animals for ten years, a ban set to expire in December 2029.