HARRY TODD FROM BALLYSILLAN FACES 15-YEAR BAN AND PRISON SENTENCE FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN BELFAST

Harry Todd, born on April 10, 1957, and residing at 49 Joanmount Park in Ballysillan, Belfast, has been at the center of a disturbing case involving severe animal welfare violations. The incident came to light after reports from concerned members of the public who noticed the dire conditions at his property on Ballysillan Road. Todd was found to have abandoned a dog and over 150 pigeons, leaving them to suffer and die in neglectful circumstances.

On November 2, 2017, animal welfare officers from Belfast City Council conducted a thorough inspection of Todd’s residence following the distress signals from the community. During their visit, they discovered the remains of a dog, which was partially skeletonized, along with numerous dead pigeons scattered around the property. The officers also identified 153 pigeons that were suffering from neglect, living in deplorable conditions with no access to adequate food or water. The investigation revealed that Todd had caused unnecessary suffering to these animals, violating multiple animal welfare laws.

As a result of these findings, Todd was convicted of four separate offences related to animal cruelty. The court sentenced him to five months of imprisonment suspended for each offence, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further violations within the suspension period. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £79 and was banned from keeping any animals for a period of 15 years. This case drew significant attention from the local community and animal welfare advocates, highlighting the importance of strict enforcement of animal protection laws.

In July 2023, further reports emerged indicating that Todd had violated his previous ban on keeping animals. Court proceedings revealed that he admitted to owning approximately 100 pigeons at his Joanmount Park address, despite the disqualification order imposed under the Welfare of Animal Act (NI) 2011. Todd acknowledged that these pigeons were kept in conditions that caused them unnecessary suffering, further breaching the law. The offences were alleged to have occurred on April 24, 2020, although specific details of the charges were not disclosed during the court session. The case was adjourned until August 15, 2023, for pre-sentence reports.

In August 2023, the court delivered a decisive verdict. Todd was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and was once again banned from owning or caring for any animals for the next 15 years. During the hearing at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, it was detailed that animal welfare officers had inspected Todd’s home in April 2019. The officers found pigeons flying freely in every room, amidst rubbish, cigarette butts, and faeces. The kitchen, living room, and stairs were all found to be contaminated with filth, with pigeons nesting near the toilet in the bathroom, surrounded by dirt and debris. Further inspections uncovered pigeons in bedrooms and garden sheds, all without access to food or water.

Approximately 136 pigeons were removed from the property for veterinary examinations. The veterinarian confirmed that the birds were suffering due to the severely degraded environment in which they were kept. Recognizing Todd’s guilty plea, District Judge George Conner imposed a total sentence of 10 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He also ordered Todd to pay £360 in case costs. The judge issued a stern warning, emphasizing that any further violations would result in immediate custody, underscoring the seriousness of the case and the importance of animal welfare laws in Belfast.