FRANCIS MILLIKEN'S HORRIFIC DOG-ABUSE IN LIGONIEL AND ANTRIM REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Francis Milliken, a man from Weavershill, Ligoniel, Belfast, was found guilty of severe animal neglect and cruelty in 2016. The case came to light after police conducted a raid on his property, revealing a horrifying scene involving ten pitbull-type dogs kept in deplorable conditions.

On a day in January 2016, law enforcement officers executed a search at an address registered to Milliken, located at 159 Donore Crescent in Antrim. The house was found to be in a state of neglect, with minimal furniture and an overall appearance suggesting it was uninhabited or abandoned. Inside, officers discovered ten dogs confined within cages that were shockingly inadequate for their size and needs. The cages were covered in feces, and some of the animals were unable to sit comfortably due to the cramped conditions. The dogs showed visible signs of injury, including cuts and scars, and were in a poor state of health overall.

The court was informed that five of these dogs were in such dire condition that they had to be removed from Milliken’s care. Police reports detailed that when they entered the house, they found two adult dogs in cages that were too small for them to sit or move freely. These animals bore fresh scars and wounds, indicating recent injuries or ongoing suffering. Additionally, there were newborn puppies confined in another cage, with no water or bedding provided, highlighting the neglect and poor treatment of the animals.

Authorities seized all ten dogs, and five charges were brought against Milliken, specifically concerning the extreme neglect and poor treatment of the animals. The prosecution emphasized the severity of the situation, describing the dogs as being “extremely badly looked after.” The court heard that the conditions were so appalling that the animals’ health and well-being were severely compromised.

During the court proceedings, defense barrister Chris Sherrard stated that Milliken was a “dog lover” who had kept dogs as pets since his youth. He expressed remorse for the way the animals had been kept, acknowledging that it was not a matter of pride for his client. Sherrard characterized the neglect as “passive,” suggesting it was due to oversight rather than deliberate cruelty. He also noted that five of the dogs had been returned to Milliken after the police raid, and that the authorities had monitored his care of these animals closely, with no further issues arising.

Sherrard further explained that Milliken had a problematic drug record and that during the time of the offenses, his elderly mother was hospitalized. He claimed that Milliken was visiting her regularly and that the situation had overwhelmed him. The lawyer also mentioned that one of the dogs had fallen pregnant unexpectedly, and Milliken was not planning to keep so many dogs in the house. Despite the circumstances, the court acknowledged the severity of the neglect.

In sentencing, Milliken received a four-month prison sentence that was suspended, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense. Additionally, he was banned from keeping dogs for two years, a restriction that expired in 2018. The case drew further attention in March 2017 when reports indicated that the police and animal welfare authorities had been caring for the remaining dogs. It was revealed that all but one of the dogs had been rehomed, with the exception being the most problematic, suspected to have been used as bait in dog fights, further underscoring the cruelty involved in this case.

This case from Belfast and Antrim highlights the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and neglect, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and awareness to prevent such suffering in the future.