ZARA DOHERTY FROM NEWTOWNABBEY AND WEST BELFAST SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL ABANDONMENT IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In a recent case that has drawn significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare advocates, Zara Doherty, born on June 20, 1992, and residing on Glenvarna Drive in Newtownabbey, BT36, was found guilty of neglecting her pets and leaving them in hazardous conditions for several days. Despite her links to West Belfast, Doherty’s case highlights the ongoing issues of animal abandonment and the responsibilities of pet owners in Northern Ireland.

Authorities from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council initiated proceedings against Doherty under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011, after concerns were raised about the welfare of her animals. The case was particularly notable because Doherty did not attend the court hearing, leading to her conviction in her absence. The incident came to light after a visit from an animal welfare officer to her property on the Glenvarna estate in January 2023.

During the visit, the officer observed that the animals had been left unattended for several days, with no evidence of anyone providing them with food, water, or proper care. This neglect prompted the officer to execute an abandonment procedure, which involved removing the animals from the premises to ensure their safety. The animals in question were a dog named Bella, believed to be a German Shepherd/Rottweiler crossbreed, and a young cat called Loki. Both animals were found in a distressing state, confined in a room with no access to sustenance, and the environment was filthy, with faeces and urine covering the floors.

The council’s veterinarian recommended immediate removal of the animals to prevent further suffering. The dog, Bella, was underweight and appeared to be in poor health, while Loki was also in a vulnerable condition. The case drew attention not only because of the neglect but also due to Doherty’s history of pets going missing or being abandoned.

In sentencing, Zara Doherty received a three-month prison sentence suspended for two years, along with a financial penalty totaling £433.14. This amount covered legal and court costs, veterinary expenses, and boarding fees for the animals. Additionally, she was handed a two-year ban on keeping animals, which will remain in effect until November 2025. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of local authorities to protect vulnerable animals from neglect and abandonment in Northern Ireland.