PENNY GOVE FROM LARNE SENTENCED FOR DOG STARVATION CRIME IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Penny Ann Gove, born on August 8, 1987, and residing on Linn Road in Larne, has been convicted of a grave act of animal cruelty that resulted in the death of her pet dog. The incident, which took place in early 2024, drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the dog's demise.

On February 19, 2024, a local authority animal welfare officer (AWO) responded to a distress call reporting a dog that was either dead or dying at a property in Larne. Upon arriving at the scene, armed with a search warrant, the officer discovered the lifeless body of a small Jack Russell terrier named Gizmo in the backyard of the residence. The discovery prompted further investigations, which eventually led the authorities to Gove’s new address after initial inquiries.

When questioned, Gove claimed that she had last visited the dog several days prior to the officer’s visit to feed it. She insisted that the dog had been losing weight since Christmas, implying a gradual decline in its health. However, this assertion was starkly contradicted by a post-mortem report, which confirmed that Gizmo had been suffering and had died from neglect. Despite multiple invitations for Gove to attend interviews with authorities, she failed to appear on several occasions, raising suspicions about her involvement and awareness of the dog's condition.

During the court proceedings, defense counsel Thomas McKeever explained that Gove’s mental state was affected by a personal tragedy. According to her, a close friend had tragically taken their own life in an adjoining property, which left her emotionally unprepared to face the situation at her home. Gove also claimed to have paid a friend £40 to look after Gizmo, suggesting she had made arrangements for the dog’s care. Nonetheless, investigators found no evidence of food or anyone else caring for the dog at her residence, which was starkly empty of provisions.

Judge Magill addressed the court, revealing that Gove had been absent from her home for approximately nine weeks. During this period, she had returned at least twice to collect her mail but had failed to check on Gizmo or provide any sustenance. The judge expressed clear skepticism about Gove’s claims, emphasizing that despite her visits to retrieve post, she had effectively abandoned the dog, allowing it to starve to death. The court noted that Gove’s pre-sentence report indicated she had been away from her home for extended periods, yet she did nothing to ensure her pet’s well-being.

In sentencing, Gove was handed a custodial sentence of three months and ordered to pay costs amounting to £470, which she was required to repay over six months. Additionally, she received a lifetime ban on owning or keeping any animals, a measure aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. Despite her immediate appeal and subsequent release on bail pending the hearing, the court’s decision underscored the seriousness of her neglect and the tragic consequences for Gizmo. The case was overseen by Mid & East Antrim Council, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat animal cruelty within the region.