EAMONN KEGAN FROM PORTADOWN SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT IN CRAIGAVON

Eamonn Keegan, a resident of Charles Street in Portadown, Craigavon BT62, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, leading to his conviction at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court. The incident dates back to April 22, 2018, when authorities discovered a Staffordshire Bull Terrier in a severely neglected state at the back of Keegan’s property.

According to reports, the dog was in a dire condition, appearing malnourished and suffering from an injury to its left eye. The animal was chained with a 1.5-metre length of chain to a dilapidated kennel, with no access to food or water, highlighting the neglectful circumstances under which it was kept. The local dog warden intervened promptly, removing the dog for urgent medical treatment. A veterinarian later confirmed that the dog had been suffering from an ulceration to its left eye for an extended period and was severely underweight, indicating prolonged neglect.

During police interviews, Keegan claimed that he had been attempting to treat the eye injury himself, suggesting a lack of proper veterinary care. His defence solicitor, John McAtamney, emphasized that Keegan had no relevant previous offences, aside from a speeding ticket in 2015, and had not appeared in court since 2005. McAtamney described the case as one of passive neglect, attributing it to inadequate provision of water and food rather than active cruelty.

He further explained that Keegan had been drinking heavily for four or five days prior to the discovery, which led to the neglect of his responsibilities towards the dog. The solicitor also noted that the eye ulceration dated back to October 2017, and Keegan, unable to afford veterinary treatment, had attempted to manage the condition himself using saline drops.

District Judge Bernie Kelly acknowledged that while the neglect was passive, Keegan had deliberately chosen to prioritize alcohol consumption over seeking veterinary help for his pet. She emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, stating, “Anyone who wants to have animals as pets has to be responsible for them. Until society recognizes this importance, it will not encourage proper responsible pet owners.”

Judge Kelly highlighted the vulnerability of animals, noting that they cannot call emergency services for help and are left to suffer in silence. As a result, she sentenced Keegan to two months in prison, a sentence that was later reduced to probation on appeal. Additionally, she imposed a lifelong ban on Keegan owning or keeping animals as pets, underscoring the seriousness of the case and the need for accountability in animal welfare.