BLOODSPORTS LUNATIC CIARAN MCCAFFERTY SENTENCED FOR DOG CRUELTY
CONVICTED (2026) | bloodsports lunatic Ciaran Patrick McCafferty, born 30 December 1996, of Greenan Road, Randalstown, Antrim BT41 3LP but with links to Ballymena – repeatedly assaulted a gundog, causing her to suffer a dislocated hip; starved her and a second dog and terrorised both of them.Giving evidence, McCafferty claimed that Lily was injured after her leg became trapped in rocks on the shoreline and she tried to free herself, but a vet said these injuries were more consistent with a road traffic collision or being dropped from a height.
He admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Lily by kicking and punching her, swinging her by her lead onto rocks, striking her with the butt of his gun, and body-slamming her into the ground.
He also failed to meet the needs of a second dog found terrified and starved at his home.
The court heard details of the abuse from witnesses and a patrol officer who investigated, leading to Lily being taken to the vet, treated for a dislocated hip, and subsequently re-homed.
McCafferty's claim that her injuries resulted from an accident was dismissed by the court.
Judge Broderick was satisfied that McCafferty had committed these acts of cruelty and imposed a lifetime ban on keeping animals, except cattle and chickens.
He also ordered a six-month immediate custodial sentence, pending an appeal, and ordered him to pay £798.67 in costs.
