PAUL AND DONNA GREEN FROM LISBURN BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS AFTER DOGS FOUND IN SQUALID CONDITIONS

Paul Green, born around 1973, and his wife Donna Green, whose age was not specified, both residents of Ballymacash Road in Lisburn, faced serious legal consequences after they were found guilty of neglecting six dogs they were entrusted to care for. The incident, which took place on October 24, 2019, revealed appalling conditions that prompted authorities to intervene and bring charges against the couple.

According to court records, Paul and Donna Green admitted to a joint charge of failing to take reasonable steps to meet the basic needs of the animals. The dogs involved were five small Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso breeds, along with a nursing Lhasa Apso, all of which were under their supervision at the time. The Greens claimed that they had been asked to look after the dogs by a female friend while she was away on holiday, a responsibility they accepted but failed to fulfill properly.

During the court proceedings, it was detailed that the Greens' neglect was severe. When inspectors arrived at the property located on Lany Road in Moira, they discovered the dogs confined in cages stacked within a barn. The environment was described as “pungent,” with a strong smell of urine permeating the space. The dogs’ coats were soaked in feces and urine, and many of them exhibited infected paws, indicating poor hygiene and neglect. Shockingly, none of the animals had access to water, further highlighting the neglect they endured.

The prosecutor emphasized that although the dogs were not overly thin, the conditions in which they were kept were entirely unacceptable. The court heard that the couple’s lawyers acknowledged their clients’ guilt, primarily because they were responsible for the dogs at the time of inspection. However, they argued that the actual owner of the animals had not been prosecuted, as she had entrusted the Greens with their care during her six-day holiday.

Paul Green’s legal representative admitted that his client “didn’t take enough care in washing the dogs,” but expressed some frustration that the owner of the dogs was not also held accountable, suggesting that the responsibility for their welfare lay with her. Similarly, Donna Green’s lawyer pointed out that the reason the owner was not prosecuted might be because the Greens were responsible for the animals during the period in question.

In terms of sentencing, District Judge Rosie Watters noted the severity of the neglect, stating that the photographs and statements indicated more than just a few days of oversight. She remarked, “It’s more than just a few days of neglect and I can’t help but wonder if it’s more than five days’ worth.”

As a result, Paul and Donna Green received a two-year conditional discharge, meaning they would not serve time in prison but would be subject to certain conditions. They were also ordered to pay costs amounting to £1,500. Additionally, the court imposed a five-year ban on keeping animals, effectively preventing them from owning or caring for any animals during that period. The case drew significant attention, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in Lisburn.