RAQUELLE LYONS FROM NEWRY FACES COURT OVER ANIMAL NEGLECT CASE IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Raquelle Vanessa Lyons, born on January 5, 1991, and residing at 7 Third Avenue in Newry, has been found guilty of neglecting multiple pets, including a cat and three Jack Russell dogs. The case against Lyons was initiated by the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council following a formal complaint received in July 2019 concerning the welfare of animals kept at her property.

On July 4, 2019, an animal welfare officer conducted a visit to Lyons' residence to investigate the allegations. Despite repeated attempts and numerous letters sent to Lyons, access to the property was only granted on August 29, 2019. During this inspection, the officer observed that the animals were being kept in extremely poor conditions, which raised serious concerns about their well-being.

Following the visit, a veterinarian was called to assess the health and living environment of the animals. The vet's evaluation concluded that the animals were in such a state of neglect that they needed to be seized for their own safety. As a result, the council took custody of the cat and the three Jack Russell dogs, all of whom have since recovered and been rehomed to new families.

Legal proceedings were initiated under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. On October 2, 2019, an application was made to the Newry Magistrates Court for the animals to be rehomed, which was granted by the court. Lyons pleaded guilty to failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the welfare needs of her pets were met, specifically neglecting the health and safety of the cat and dogs.

In sentencing, Lyons was ordered to pay a fine of £150 along with costs amounting to £237. Additionally, she was issued a ban on keeping animals for a period of three years, which will expire in September 2024. This case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the importance of responsible pet ownership in the Newry area.