SEAMUS AND STACEY LEE FROM CARNLOUGH FACE JUSTICE OVER CRUELTY TO DOGS IN BALLYMENA
| Red Rose Database
Carnlough Animal Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community of Carnlough and the surrounding Ballymena area, Seamus Lee and his wife Stacey Lee, both residents of Drumalla Park in Carnlough, have been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to their pet dogs. The charges stemmed from a distressing investigation carried out by animal welfare officers following a visit to their property in September 2019.
Seamus Lee, who is known locally as the owner of Total Training gym in Ballymena, and his wife Stacey O'Reilly, faced serious allegations after the welfare officers discovered their dogs living in deplorable conditions. The officers reported that the animals, a Boxer named Keela and a Jack Russell named Tara, were subjected to neglect and starvation, conditions that prompted immediate intervention.
Keela, the Boxer, was found to be in a severely compromised state. She was excessively thin, with her ribs and bones clearly visible, indicating severe malnutrition. Additionally, she had a one-inch ingrown dew claw embedded into her leg, which had become infected, and she was suffering from sores caused by being forced to lie on a hard, unclean surface. The condition of Keela highlighted the extent of her suffering and neglect.
In contrast, Tara, the Jack Russell, was reported to be in good physical condition. However, her living environment was deemed unsuitable by veterinary standards, raising concerns about her overall welfare and the conditions she was subjected to.
Following the discovery, both dogs were removed from the Lees' property. After receiving necessary medical treatment and care, they were eventually rehomed to loving families, ensuring their recovery and well-being.
The legal proceedings culminated in sentencing for the Lees. Seamus Lee was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and was also required to pay £1000 in costs. Stacey Lee received a two-month prison sentence that was suspended, meaning she would not serve time unless she committed further offenses. Additionally, both individuals were banned from owning or keeping any animals for a period of five years, a ban that will expire in November 2025.
This case has brought to light the importance of animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners, especially in the context of neglect and cruelty. The community and animal rights advocates hope that such measures serve as a warning to others and reinforce the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable animals in the Ballymena and Carnlough areas.
Seamus Lee, who is known locally as the owner of Total Training gym in Ballymena, and his wife Stacey O'Reilly, faced serious allegations after the welfare officers discovered their dogs living in deplorable conditions. The officers reported that the animals, a Boxer named Keela and a Jack Russell named Tara, were subjected to neglect and starvation, conditions that prompted immediate intervention.
Keela, the Boxer, was found to be in a severely compromised state. She was excessively thin, with her ribs and bones clearly visible, indicating severe malnutrition. Additionally, she had a one-inch ingrown dew claw embedded into her leg, which had become infected, and she was suffering from sores caused by being forced to lie on a hard, unclean surface. The condition of Keela highlighted the extent of her suffering and neglect.
In contrast, Tara, the Jack Russell, was reported to be in good physical condition. However, her living environment was deemed unsuitable by veterinary standards, raising concerns about her overall welfare and the conditions she was subjected to.
Following the discovery, both dogs were removed from the Lees' property. After receiving necessary medical treatment and care, they were eventually rehomed to loving families, ensuring their recovery and well-being.
The legal proceedings culminated in sentencing for the Lees. Seamus Lee was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and was also required to pay £1000 in costs. Stacey Lee received a two-month prison sentence that was suspended, meaning she would not serve time unless she committed further offenses. Additionally, both individuals were banned from owning or keeping any animals for a period of five years, a ban that will expire in November 2025.
This case has brought to light the importance of animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners, especially in the context of neglect and cruelty. The community and animal rights advocates hope that such measures serve as a warning to others and reinforce the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable animals in the Ballymena and Carnlough areas.