KATHLEEN MARSHALL FROM CARRICKFERGUS SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN SHOCKING CASE

Kathleen Marshall, a resident of Sunnylands Avenue in Carrickfergus, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty following a disturbing case involving four dogs found in a state of extreme neglect at her home. The incident, which drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations, highlights the ongoing issues of animal abuse within the community.

Marshall, born on April 7, 1989, pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering and neglecting the welfare of her four dogs. The charges were formally brought against her by the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council under the provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. The case was initiated after an investigation conducted by the council’s Animal Welfare Officer, who visited Marshall’s property on December 19, 2019, at her residence on Sunnylands Avenue, Carrickfergus.

During the inspection, the officer discovered several dogs living in deplorable conditions, all of which were severely malnourished. The animals were observed to eat ravenously whenever food was provided, indicating their desperate need for nourishment. A veterinary assessment was carried out on the dogs, revealing alarming health conditions. Three of the dogs received a body condition score of just 1 out of 5, while the fourth was scored at 0 out of 5, signifying an extremely critical state of emaciation. The fourth dog was found to be skeletal, with no visible body fat and significant muscle loss, a condition so severe that the veterinarian stated the dog would not have survived in its malnourished condition.

Fortunately, all four dogs were rescued and received full medical treatment, leading to their eventual recovery. They were subsequently rehomed through an animal sanctuary, ensuring they found safe and caring homes after their ordeal.

In court, Kathleen Marshall was sentenced to four months in prison, though the sentence was suspended for 12 months, meaning she would not serve time unless she committed another offense within that period. Additionally, she was ordered to pay £310 in costs related to the case. The court also imposed a ten-year disqualification order, preventing her from owning animals until September 2031, a measure intended to protect future animals from potential neglect or abuse.