HENRY HAMILTON CONVICTED IN BELFAST FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY INVOLVING GYPSY THE COCKAPOO
Henry Hamilton, born on 26 October 1953 and now deceased, of Blackwood Street, Belfast BT7 3AS, was convicted in 2019 for neglecting his pet cockapoo named Gypsy.The cruelty led to Gypsy suffering a serious leg injury that ultimately required amputation.
Henry Hamilton admitted to multiple charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to Gypsy.
The Belfast City Council prosecuted the case after a veterinarian reported the cruelty.
According to a council spokesperson, in May 2017, animal welfare officers visited a veterinary clinic in East Belfast to examine Gypsy, who was found with her left hind leg bandaged.
It was discovered that the leg had rot caused by an untreated fracture, necessitating the amputation of Gypsy’s leg.
The investigation revealed that Hamilton had initially consulted a vet on 19 April 2017 regarding Gypsy’s injury.
However, he failed to follow the vet’s instructions for proper care.
Instead of continuing treatment, he left the bandage on Gypsy's leg for over five weeks, from 19 April to 26 May 2017.
This neglect caused Gypsy unnecessary suffering, severe pain, and ultimately resulted in the leg’s removal.
The council noted that Hamilton did not provide the appropriate veterinary care, directly leading to the dog's injury worsening.
Hamilton initially pleaded not guilty, but during a contested hearing in November 2018, he changed his plea to guilty.
The case was adjourned for sentencing, which took place on 14 February 2019.
He was sentenced to a six-month sentence suspended for two years, and was disqualified from owning or keeping animals for five years.
Gypsy was subsequently re-homed.
The BelfastLive report details these proceedings and the court’s decision.
