GWEANDALINE AND CHRISTOPHER MCCARTER SHOCKING DOG CRUELTY CASE IN LONDONDERRY
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Londonderry Animal Abuser
Gwendaline McCarter, born on 15 February 1978, and her son Christopher 'Chrissy' McCarter, born on 30 April 1996, both residents of Irish Street in Londonderry, found themselves at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty investigation. The pair was convicted in 2021 for their involvement in the neglect and suffering of two dogs, with only one surviving the ordeal.
According to court proceedings, both Gwendaline and Christopher McCarter faced charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, neglecting the basic needs of two animals, and abandoning them on or before January 19, 2018. The case was brought to light after an animal welfare officer from Derry City and Strabane District Council responded to a call from a concerned neighbor living near Kingsmere Gardens.
On January 23, 2018, the officer entered the property and was met with a scene of extreme neglect. The floor was heavily soiled with feces and urine, and the officer observed scattered dry dog food around the house. Among the distressing sights was a dead terrier dog lying on the floor, its coat matted and emaciated, with ribs, hip bones, and spine clearly visible. The officer also heard barking coming from beneath a table, where a second dog, a black and tan terrier named Toby, was found to be severely underweight and in a state of distress. The officer managed to coax Toby out and provided him with water to hydrate him.
The investigation revealed that the house was filled with rubbish, including empty packets of dog food, and lacked basic amenities such as electricity. A veterinarian examined Toby and determined that the dog’s health would continue to deteriorate if his circumstances did not improve. Consequently, Toby was taken into the care of the council. A post-mortem examination was conducted on the deceased dog, revealing that he was in very poor condition at the time of death. The vet described the environment as a 'picture of neglect,' highlighting the shocking levels of filth and the absence of food and water for the animals. It was concluded that the dead dog had likely been out-competed for food by his companion, suffering in his final days.
During police interviews, Gwendaline McCarter was identified at her workplace and was cautioned. She expressed disbelief that the dogs had been abandoned, claiming that her son and his friends were responsible for caring for them. She admitted ownership of the deceased dog, stating it was her pet since her former partner. She also claimed that the surviving dog had only been in the house for a short period and that she had left him two weeks prior to the discovery. Gwendaline appeared 'shocked' upon learning of the dog’s death but acknowledged that the animal had suffered.
Christopher McCarter was later located in July 2018 and was also cautioned by authorities. He confirmed that he had owned Toby, the surviving dog, along with his partner at the time, Julie McCartney. However, the couple had since separated. Notably, in early 2019, Julie McCartney faced charges related to an arson attack on stables, which resulted in the tragic death of two racehorses. The outcome of that case remains unreported.
In a voluntary move, Christopher McCarter signed an order allowing the council to rehome Toby. Both Gwendaline and Christopher McCarter were convicted in their absence of all charges related to the cruelty case. On 18 March 2021, they received a sentence of four months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. Additionally, they were ordered to pay over £2,600 in costs, including boarding, veterinary, and legal expenses, within 26 weeks. They were also handed a lifetime ban on owning or keeping any animals in the future, a measure aimed at preventing similar neglect from occurring again.
This case has garnered significant attention in Londonderry, highlighting ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the importance of accountability for neglect and cruelty. The community and animal rights advocates continue to emphasize the need for vigilance and stricter enforcement of animal protection laws.
According to court proceedings, both Gwendaline and Christopher McCarter faced charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, neglecting the basic needs of two animals, and abandoning them on or before January 19, 2018. The case was brought to light after an animal welfare officer from Derry City and Strabane District Council responded to a call from a concerned neighbor living near Kingsmere Gardens.
On January 23, 2018, the officer entered the property and was met with a scene of extreme neglect. The floor was heavily soiled with feces and urine, and the officer observed scattered dry dog food around the house. Among the distressing sights was a dead terrier dog lying on the floor, its coat matted and emaciated, with ribs, hip bones, and spine clearly visible. The officer also heard barking coming from beneath a table, where a second dog, a black and tan terrier named Toby, was found to be severely underweight and in a state of distress. The officer managed to coax Toby out and provided him with water to hydrate him.
The investigation revealed that the house was filled with rubbish, including empty packets of dog food, and lacked basic amenities such as electricity. A veterinarian examined Toby and determined that the dog’s health would continue to deteriorate if his circumstances did not improve. Consequently, Toby was taken into the care of the council. A post-mortem examination was conducted on the deceased dog, revealing that he was in very poor condition at the time of death. The vet described the environment as a 'picture of neglect,' highlighting the shocking levels of filth and the absence of food and water for the animals. It was concluded that the dead dog had likely been out-competed for food by his companion, suffering in his final days.
During police interviews, Gwendaline McCarter was identified at her workplace and was cautioned. She expressed disbelief that the dogs had been abandoned, claiming that her son and his friends were responsible for caring for them. She admitted ownership of the deceased dog, stating it was her pet since her former partner. She also claimed that the surviving dog had only been in the house for a short period and that she had left him two weeks prior to the discovery. Gwendaline appeared 'shocked' upon learning of the dog’s death but acknowledged that the animal had suffered.
Christopher McCarter was later located in July 2018 and was also cautioned by authorities. He confirmed that he had owned Toby, the surviving dog, along with his partner at the time, Julie McCartney. However, the couple had since separated. Notably, in early 2019, Julie McCartney faced charges related to an arson attack on stables, which resulted in the tragic death of two racehorses. The outcome of that case remains unreported.
In a voluntary move, Christopher McCarter signed an order allowing the council to rehome Toby. Both Gwendaline and Christopher McCarter were convicted in their absence of all charges related to the cruelty case. On 18 March 2021, they received a sentence of four months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. Additionally, they were ordered to pay over £2,600 in costs, including boarding, veterinary, and legal expenses, within 26 weeks. They were also handed a lifetime ban on owning or keeping any animals in the future, a measure aimed at preventing similar neglect from occurring again.
This case has garnered significant attention in Londonderry, highlighting ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the importance of accountability for neglect and cruelty. The community and animal rights advocates continue to emphasize the need for vigilance and stricter enforcement of animal protection laws.