NICOLA O’NEILL AND JAMES MCWILLIAMS FROM NEWTOWNABBEY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT AND STARVATION

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Newtownabbey, Nicola O’Neill, born on 10 February 1984, and James McWilliams, born circa 2003, faced justice for their role in the severe neglect and starvation of nine bull-terriers. The animals, living in deplorable conditions on Felden Place, were found in a state of extreme malnutrition, with some resorting to cannibalism by eating a dead dog that had been left to decompose among them.

Authorities uncovered the appalling situation in March 2022 when an animal welfare officer from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council visited the family’s residence on the outskirts of North Belfast. The visit was prompted by reports of a dead dog being consumed by other dogs at the property. Upon inspection, the officer discovered a scene of neglect: a mixture of puppies and adult dogs, some painfully underweight, confined within filthy pens that lacked basic necessities such as bedding and access to water.

From behind the fencing, the officer observed a dead dog on the ground, which appeared to have been partially eaten, indicating that the surviving dogs had resorted to scavenging. Among the animals seized were five puppies believed to be American XL Bully breeds, found in a crate inside the kitchen area. These puppies were covered in urine and faeces, with their ribs and spines clearly visible, highlighting their dire state of health. Other dogs were found in the backyard, in close proximity to the carcass of the deceased bull terrier.

Post-mortem examinations and investigations revealed that the dead dog had likely died before being consumed, as there was no evidence of blood spattering on the ground. The surviving nine dogs were examined by the council’s veterinarian, who confirmed their malnourished condition. James McWilliams later admitted to the welfare officer that he did not usually reside at the property but had previously helped his mother care for the animals. He also claimed that financial difficulties had prevented them from properly feeding the dogs.

Prosecutors highlighted that prior to this incident, McWilliams was advertising six-week-old American XL Bully puppies for sale on Facebook, believed to be the five puppies seized during the investigation. Since their rescue, the remaining dogs have been provided with care costing over £2,000, and they have since gained significant weight, indicating recovery efforts.

During court proceedings, defence lawyer Jonathan Browne acknowledged the distressing nature of the case, describing the conditions as “deeply unpleasant” and “abhorrent” to any reasonable person. He provided context by explaining that the dogs belonged to Nicola O’Neill’s late husband, James McWilliams Sr., a prominent figure associated with the Irish National Liberation Army. The court heard that McWilliams Sr. had lived elsewhere but visited daily to care for the animals. After his sudden death in August 2021, O’Neill allegedly neglected to look after the dogs, and her son James McWilliams Jr. felt a strong emotional attachment to them, believing that giving them away would dishonour his father’s memory. Browne argued that financial constraints prevented him from caring for the animals properly, describing his client’s intentions as genuine but hampered by circumstances.

The judge, District Judge George Conner, addressed the defendants directly, emphasizing the high standards expected of those responsible for animals. He stated, “For those who enter a responsibility to look after animals, a very high standard is required. Unfortunately in this case you both failed very badly.”

In sentencing, Nicola O’Neill received a four-month custodial sentence, suspended for one year, along with a fine of £250 to contribute towards costs. James McWilliams was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and ordered to pay £599 in costs. Both individuals are also banned from keeping dogs for a period of ten years, a measure intended to prevent future neglect and ensure animal welfare in the community of Newtownabbey.