JACKIE ANN FORBES AND KIAL LENG FROM DOWNPATRICK CONVICTED OF CRUELTY TO DOG IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In a recent and disturbing case, Jacqueline Forbes and Kial Leng, also known as Kial Love, residents of 16 Struell Avenue in Downpatrick, faced justice for their involvement in the severe mistreatment and neglect of a beloved pet dog. The incident, which drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations, highlights the tragic consequences of animal cruelty and neglect in the area.

According to court records, the couple, who are parents to four children, were found guilty of failing to provide proper care for an unnamed male dog, believed to be an Akita or a similar breed. The dog had been subjected to a life of hardship, confined to a short chain in a yard that was heavily contaminated with feces. Witnesses and investigators described the environment as deplorable, with the dog’s coat appearing dull and dirty, and his physical condition visibly poor, with ribs, hips, and spine clearly protruding. The dog’s suffering was evident, and it was reported that he was living in a pitiful state, deprived of adequate food and affection.

The case was prosecuted under the provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, specifically Sections 4 and 9, which address causing unnecessary suffering and neglecting the welfare needs of animals. The authorities also charged Forbes with failing to comply with an improvement notice issued under Section 10 of the same Act, which mandated that veterinary treatment be sought for the dog. Despite these legal measures, the couple initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.

However, during the court proceedings, Judge Amanda Brady expressed her firm stance, stating she had no hesitation in convicting them. The investigation was initiated after the local council, Newry Mourne and Down District Council, received a report of concern regarding the dog’s welfare on January 24, 2020. A council Animal Welfare Officer visited the property four days later and found the dog chained outside, in a yard that was filthy and littered with feces. The dog’s condition was dire, with a dull coat and a body weight significantly below the healthy range, with ribs, hips, and spine prominently visible.

Following the initial assessment, Forbes was issued an Improvement Notice, which required her to seek veterinary care for the dog. A follow-up visit was conducted on February 12, 2020, during which authorities obtained a search warrant. Accompanied by a veterinary surgeon, the Animal Welfare Officer revisited the property and examined the dog. The veterinarian’s assessment revealed that the dog’s body condition was critically poor, rated at just one out of five, leading to the heartbreaking decision to have the dog euthanized after his condition failed to improve.

During the court hearing, Kial Leng, who is originally from Kingston upon Hull, was questioned about the dog’s suffering. Judge Brady addressed him directly, expressing concern over his apparent lack of remorse, stating, “This dog suffered and it is sad and abysmal and you don’t seem to think you have done anything wrong which concerns me greatly.” Leng attempted to justify the situation by claiming that his partner and their four young children were experiencing “serious trauma” at the time, citing flooding in their rented home as a contributing factor. He also claimed that the dog had “fallen ill,” but insisted it was eating and drinking, albeit not gaining weight.

When cross-examined, Leng dismissed the severity of the conditions, laughing at descriptions of the environment as “horrific.” He denied that the dog was kept on a short lead, asserting instead that the chain had become twisted. Furthermore, he disputed photographs presented as evidence, which showed the dog in dirty, wet conditions with feces around him. Leng stated he had taken the dog to a veterinarian, who was unable to determine the cause of the rapid weight loss. He also explained that he was unable to return with a stool sample on February 6, as required, to test for infectious diseases.

The prosecution highlighted that the dog weighed only 20 kilograms, significantly below the typical weight range of 30 to 50 kilograms for an adult dog of this breed. Leng claimed the dog was still a pup and that the higher weight was indicative of a fully grown dog. The court was told that the dog’s environment was unsuitable and that his suffering was a direct result of neglect.

In sentencing, Jacqueline Forbes was ordered to pay fines of £150 for each of the three charges, along with half of the council’s veterinary bill totaling £540, and legal costs of £150. Kial Leng received a sentence of three months in custody, suspended for two years, for each of his charges under the same sections of the Welfare of Animals Act. He was also ordered to pay the council’s costs of £540 and legal costs of £150. The court did not impose a ban on owning animals, leaving that decision unmentioned in the proceedings.

This case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing need for vigilance and enforcement to prevent such tragic neglect and cruelty in communities like Downpatrick and beyond.