CHRISTINA LINES FROM LARNE FACES COURT OVER NEGLECT OF DOGS IN ANIMAL WELFARE CASE

In a serious case of animal neglect brought before the court, Christina Maria Lines, a part-time teaching assistant residing in Bengore Gardens, Larne, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to two of her pet dogs. The case was initiated by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, highlighting the neglect and poor health conditions of her animals.

Christina Lines was specifically charged with neglecting two dogs: a Pomeranian named Poppy and a Jack Russell cross known as Odie. The court heard that Poppy was suffering from a large tumour, approximately ten centimetres in diameter, located on her abdomen. This tumour was rupturing, which necessitated urgent surgical intervention to prevent further health deterioration. Additionally, Poppy’s nails had become grossly overgrown due to a lack of proper care, and fleas were found infesting her coat, indicating neglect and poor hygiene.

Odie, the second dog, was initially difficult to identify due to his severe condition. He was suffering from extensive hair loss and a skin condition called Lichenification, which causes thickened, blackened skin resembling that of an elephant. This condition is typically allergy-related and often caused by fleas, further emphasizing the neglectful circumstances under which the dog was kept.

Both dogs were taken into the custody of the local council and received necessary veterinary treatment. The veterinarian’s examination confirmed that both animals were suffering from significant health issues, which had been exacerbated by their owner’s neglect.

During the court proceedings, Lines’ legal representative explained that her client needed “re-education” regarding proper animal care. The lawyer claimed that Lines had been attempting to treat her dogs’ conditions with homeopathic remedies, which were not prescribed by a veterinarian. The defense attributed this approach to her financial constraints at the time.

Remarkably, the defense also revealed that Christina Lines and her 17-year-old son had recently acquired two new dogs. Her financial situation was said to have improved, and she had taken steps to better her pet care, including purchasing pet insurance, hiring a behavioral therapist, and engaging a dog walker. The court was informed that the costs incurred for kenneling and veterinary treatment amounted to £2,109, a figure attributed partly to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional legal costs of £400 and court fees of £152 were also noted, with the defense acknowledging that Lines was unable to pay the full amount immediately.

In her defense, her lawyer argued that a ban on her keeping dogs would send a discouraging message to the public, suggesting that efforts to improve and educate oneself during a council investigation might be disregarded. The lawyer also expressed that Lines was “quite distraught” at the prospect of losing her current dogs.

Ultimately, Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer sentenced Christina Lines to pay a total of £900 in fines and costs. This included £500 in financial penalties, £500 contributed towards the council’s veterinary and kenneling expenses, and £400 towards legal costs. The court also considered an application by the council to disqualify her from keeping animals, but this request was ultimately refused. The council confirmed that the dogs removed from her care had been successfully rehomed, and no further bans or penalties were imposed on her.

In summary, the case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglect, with the court emphasizing the need for accountability in animal welfare cases in Larne.