DEIRDRE AND MARTIN SHERIDAN'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN ARMAGH

In a deeply disturbing case of animal cruelty, Deirdre Sheridan, also known as Deirdre Little, and her son Martin Sheridan, also known as Cillian Walker, faced justice for their neglect of a helpless pet in Armagh. The incident, which took place at their residence located at 36 Callan Bridge Park, BT60 4BU, has shocked the local community and highlighted the severity of animal welfare issues in the area.

Deirdre Sheridan, born on May 14, 1971, and her son Martin, born on September 2, 1996, were found guilty of causing the death of their three-year-old cocker spaniel, Chloe, through neglect and starvation. The court heard that both individuals failed to provide basic care for the dog, leading to her suffering and eventual euthanasia. Despite their shared responsibility, only Deirdre Sheridan received a ban from keeping animals, underscoring the court’s assessment of her role in the neglect.

The case was described in court as a “shocking case of neglect,” with Chloe being found in a state of extreme emaciation. A veterinarian who examined the dog described her condition as having a body condition score of zero out of nine, where five is considered healthy. Chloe was found to be skin and bones, with matted fur and a strong smell of urine, evidence of prolonged suffering and abandonment. Photographs shared on Deirdre Sheridan’s Facebook profile depicted Chloe in a severely deteriorated state, illustrating the extent of her neglect.

According to court proceedings, Deirdre Sheridan admitted guilt to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, while her son Martin pleaded guilty to failing to take reasonable steps to meet the needs of the animal. The prosecution, led by barrister Malcolm Irvine, detailed how on March 13, 2018, Ms Sheridan contacted an out-of-hours veterinary service reporting that Chloe had been suffering from vomiting and diarrhea for approximately six weeks. She claimed that the dog had been fine that morning but suddenly collapsed at around 3 pm, prompting her to seek urgent medical attention.

Later that day, Deirdre and Martin arrived at the veterinary clinic with Chloe in a taxi. The veterinarian, upon examining the dog, concluded that her condition was so critical that euthanasia was the only humane option. The vet estimated that Chloe had endured suffering for several weeks, relying on her muscle tissue for energy due to starvation. The veterinarian also noted that earlier intervention could have saved Chloe’s life, had she been brought in sooner.

Further investigations by the Animal Welfare Service on March 22, 2018, revealed the presence of another dog—a Jack Russell—registered to Martin Sheridan. This dog was found to be in reasonable condition and was subsequently seized. With the defendant’s permission, the dog was re-homed, ensuring it was removed from the neglectful environment.

During the court hearing, Deirdre Sheridan’s defense lawyer, Scott McWhinney, explained that his client was suffering from personal and mental health issues at the time of the incident. He pointed out that there was evidence of her attempting to address the dog’s weight problem by ordering food online, although this was deemed “too little, too late.” McWhinney also highlighted her emotional attachment to Chloe, who had been in her care since puppyhood, and noted that during police interviews, she referred to Chloe as “the child.”

Martin Sheridan’s defense attorney, Patrick Taggart, stated that his client did not reside at the address regularly but would have checked on the dogs in the mornings. He described Martin as “very distressed” by the events and urged the court not to impose a ban on him keeping animals, citing his employment as a reason.

District Judge Paul Copeland addressed the court, emphasizing that the deterioration of Chloe’s condition should have been obvious. He remarked that other factors “had impacted on her judgment and had almost blinded her,” and concluded that Deirdre Sheridan was not “fit for the foreseeable” to care for animals. Regarding Martin Sheridan, the judge noted that he was caught between his mother’s difficulties and the condition of the dog, and criticized his decision not to act.

In sentencing, both Deirdre and Martin Sheridan were fined £250 each and ordered to pay costs of £150 within 15 weeks. Additionally, Deirdre Sheridan was disqualified from keeping animals for five years, a ban set to expire in November 2025. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in the Armagh community.