TONI O’NEILL FROM ARDOYNE SENTENCED FOR NEGLECTING CAT IN BELFAST

In a case that has drawn significant concern from animal welfare advocates, Toni O’Neill, a resident of Ardoyne in north Belfast, was found guilty of neglecting a pet cat by leaving it unattended without access to food or water for a period of at least 72 hours.

The incident came to light in June 2024 when Belfast City Council received multiple complaints from residents regarding the welfare of a cat at O’Neill’s address on Strathroy Park. Concerned citizens reported that the animal had been left alone for several days, prompting authorities to take action.

Acting on these complaints, animal welfare officers obtained a warrant to enter O’Neill’s property. Upon inspection, they discovered an underweight cat that appeared to be suffering from malnutrition, with no proper access to sustenance or hydration. The officers promptly seized the animal for further examination.

The cat was taken to a veterinarian, who confirmed that the animal was in a state of malnutrition, indicating prolonged neglect. Details about the subsequent fate of the cat have not been publicly disclosed.

In court, O’Neill was sentenced to four months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for one year, meaning she would not serve time unless she committed another offense within that period. Additionally, she was ordered to pay legal and associated costs totaling £181.

The court also imposed a two-year ban on O’Neill owning or keeping any animals, a restriction that will expire in August 2026. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the consequences of neglecting vulnerable pets in the community.