THOMAS SAMWAYS OF LARNE CONVICTED FOR SERIAL DOG ABUSE AND WILDLIFE PERSECUTION IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Thomas Samways, a resident of Larne, has been found guilty of multiple charges related to severe animal cruelty, including the neglect and abuse of dogs, as well as wildlife persecution. The conviction, announced in 2024, marks a significant chapter in ongoing efforts to combat animal cruelty in the region.

Samways, born around 1997 and residing at 15 Gardenmore Place in Larne, was responsible for leaving fifteen dogs to suffer in deplorable conditions, where they were left to starve amidst their own filth. His history of animal abuse is not new; he previously faced a conviction in 2014 for similar offences involving dogs. As a result of his latest crimes, he has been disqualified from owning any animals for a period of fifteen years, a measure intended to prevent further cruelty.

The court proceedings took place at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on August 5, 2024. The charges against Samways were brought forward by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. The case was initiated after a routine visit by an animal welfare officer in June 2022, prompted by a tip-off from the public. During this inspection, the officer discovered three adult dogs and twelve puppies living in extremely poor conditions at Samways’ residence.

The welfare officer described the scene as immediately distressing. It was evident that some of the dogs were suffering from eye infections, and the environment was characterized by a strong smell of urine and feces, indicating neglect and poor hygiene. The property’s rear section had been divided into three separate areas, but despite the presence of water, there was no food available for the dogs. The two nursing bitches were found to be severely underweight, with body condition scores of just two out of nine, highlighting their malnourished state.

Samways’ partner, Aimee Ashe, who recently became a mother for the second time, was also involved in the case. The court noted that both she and Samways had visible ribs, spines, and pelvic bones, indicating significant weight loss. One of the male dogs had multiple old injuries, including missing and broken teeth, skin irritations, and a partial lip bite. Several puppies exhibited serious nasal discharge, and their bedding was filthy with urine and feces, a consequence of the unsanitary environment and neglect.

It was also revealed that Ashe frequently advertised dogs for sale on Facebook on behalf of Samways, further implicating her in the ongoing neglect. The council’s veterinarian confirmed that the animals were likely suffering and ordered their seizure. All the dogs were subsequently rehomed through an animal charity after a judge granted disposal of the animals on September 28, 2022.

Samways’ history of cruelty extends beyond this incident. In 2014, he was convicted after three dogs in his care were found malnourished and in poor health. Following that conviction, he was disqualified from owning animals for five years. During the current proceedings, he admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a male lurcher and two female English bull terrier/lurcher cross-breed dogs, as well as failing to meet the needs of twelve other dogs of similar breeds on the same date.

His sentencing included 200 hours of community service, a fine of £200 towards the council’s costs of £11,800, and a 15-year disqualification order from owning animals. The case underscores ongoing concerns about animal welfare in the region and highlights the efforts of local authorities to hold offenders accountable.

Additional background information reveals that in October 2020, Samways was jailed for nine months after he and an accomplice attacked a group of men in what was described by the court as an example of “mindless and dangerous violent crime.” Witnesses reported that Samways, armed with a hatchet and under the influence of alcohol and drugs, chased the men up Main Street in Larne, further illustrating a pattern of violent and reckless behavior.