ROLAND HERRON FROM PORTADOWN SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN ARMAGH

In a case that has shocked the local community of Portadown, Roland William Herron, born on 28 January 1981 and residing at 77 Jervis Street, Portadown, Craigavon BT62 3HD, was found guilty of acts of cruelty towards two dogs. The incident, which drew significant concern from animal welfare authorities, culminated in Herron’s conviction in 2021 for causing unnecessary suffering and neglecting the welfare of animals, in violation of Sections 4 and 9 of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

It all began on June 13, 2019, when a report was received by the local authority alerting them to possible neglect and poor conditions affecting a dog at Herron’s residence. Responding promptly, an Animal Welfare Officer from the local council arrived at the defendant’s property in Portadown to investigate the allegations. What the officer found was deeply troubling: one dog was observed standing unsteadily in the yard, with visible bleeding on her feet, indicating severe distress and injury. Nearby, another dog was found lying inside a concrete shed, visibly struggling to stand and clearly in a state of suffering.

Recognizing the urgent need for medical intervention, the officer immediately transported both animals to a nearby veterinary clinic for thorough examination. The vet’s assessment confirmed the severity of the animals’ conditions. One of the dogs was deemed to be in such a critical state that, following veterinary advice, she was euthanized to prevent further suffering. The other dog was taken into the care of the local council, with plans for ongoing support and rehabilitation.

Following the investigation and subsequent court proceedings, Herron was sentenced to pay a total of £765 in fines and an additional £780 in legal costs. Furthermore, the court imposed a significant ban, prohibiting him from owning or keeping any animals for a period of ten years. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the community’s vigilance in protecting vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect in Portadown and beyond.