CONVICTED (2018) | Richard Crozier of Annsville, Newry BT34 1AB – for a catalogue of neglect towards  five adult dogs, four dependant pups and four ferrets in his care. A case was brought against Crozier by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council following a complaint about the condition of animals living at his home. When council animal welfare officers visited Crozier’s home on March 4, 2016 they found the conditions in which the animals were being kept to be “appalling”. Sadly, a lurcher-type dog had already died. The dog, who was wearing a muzzle, was chained to a kennel.  He had several open wounds on his legs and was skeletal. A post mortem found that the dog was severely emaciated. The animals were all deemed to be suffering and were taken into the possession of the council. In court, Crozier pleaded guilty to all four charges which were brought by the council under the provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. Sentencing:  Total fines of £1,000. Disqualified from keeping animals for just five years (expired November 2023). ArmaghI