PETER CAWLEY AND NINA REANEY FROM CRAIGAVON SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Peter Cawley and his former wife Nina Reaney, both residents of Craigavon, faced serious legal consequences after being found guilty of neglecting and causing unnecessary suffering to three dogs under their care. The incident, which drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations, highlights the ongoing issues of animal neglect in the region.

According to court records, the charges against Cawley and Reaney stemmed from an inspection carried out by Animal Welfare Officers in October 2014. The officers visited the couple’s former residence on Calverstown Road, Bleary, where they discovered three dogs in a deplorable state. The animals were kept in a pen that was heavily soiled with dog feces, and they had no access to food, water, or proper bedding. The conditions were so dire that the officers immediately recognized the need for urgent intervention.

Among the dogs was a small Shih Tzu, who was blind and had lost all but three of his teeth. The veterinary surgeon who examined the dog described his condition as extremely poor, and unfortunately, due to his suffering, he had to be euthanized to end his pain. The second dog, a crossbreed, was found with a growth on her back leg, and she was severely underweight with dirty, unkempt skin. A third dog, a boxer-type, was also removed from the property. All three animals were subsequently rehomed successfully, but the damage inflicted was undeniable.

The charges brought against the pair were under Sections 4 and 9 of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, which address causing unnecessary suffering and neglecting the needs of animals. Both Cawley and Reaney pleaded guilty to the charges, acknowledging their failure to care for the dogs properly.

In sentencing, Peter Cawley received a three-month custodial sentence, which was suspended for two years, while Nina Reaney was sentenced to two months in custody, suspended for one year. Additionally, both were ordered to pay costs of £3,727 each. The court also imposed a five-year ban on both individuals owning or keeping any animals, a restriction that expired in January 2021.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect. The community of Craigavon and surrounding areas continues to advocate for stronger protections and enforcement to prevent such suffering from occurring in the future.