CONVICTED (2024) | backyard breeder Nigel John Hunter, born c. 1986, of 39 Woodside Road, Broughshane, Ballymena BT42 4QH – failed to meet the basic needs of dozens of dogs. Hunter admitted six charges of causing animals to suffer unnecessarily, 23 charges of failing to meet the needs of animals and one of operating a dog breeding establishment without a licence. Proceedings followed an investigation by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council after the local authority received a report of pups being bred and sold in poor conditions. Animal welfare officers searched the premises in Woodside Road under warrant and found dogs and pups living in unacceptable conditions. A vet attended and certified a large number of pups and dogs as suffering or likely to suffer and they were removed from the address. Breeds included German Shepherds, collies, spaniels, poodles, British bulldogs, a Golden Retriever, Yorkshire terrier, Bernese Mountain dog and a St Bernard as well as two hens. A large quantity of the dogs were signed over but Hunter was allowed to keep four or five dogs “as family pets”. Sentencing | three-month custodial, suspended for two years; legal and vet costs of £1,710.70. No mention of a ban. Ballymena Guardian Northern Ireland World