JAMIE GALLOGLY OF BELLEKES SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE IN NEWRY AND NEWTOWNHAMILTON

Jamie Gallogly, a man born around 1994 and residing on Main Street in Belleeks, Newry, was found guilty of a serious animal welfare offence involving the neglect and mistreatment of seven dogs. Gallogly, who has connections to an ultra-violent organised crime gang led by the Dublin-based Shebani brothers, has a troubling history of animal abuse that has now come under legal scrutiny.

The case was initiated by the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s animal welfare department after receiving a distressing complaint about the conditions in which the dogs were kept at Cortamlat Road, Newtownhamilton, within the Newry area. Upon investigation, authorities discovered that the living conditions of the animals were appalling and severely neglected.

The dogs’ outdoor enclosures were found to be in a deplorable state, covered in fecal matter and urine, with no provision for clean or dry bedding. The animals had no access to fresh food or water, highlighting the extent of their suffering. Inside the property, the situation was equally grim, with heavy contamination from dog feces and urine, creating a pervasive, heavy smell of urine that filled the entire space.

Animal welfare officers observed signs of prolonged stress in the dogs, including damage caused by chewing on doors and furniture, which indicated their distress and potential ingestion hazards. Recognizing the severity of the environment and the suffering of the animals, the officers removed all seven dogs from the premises to ensure their safety and well-being.

The court was informed that Gallogly had previously been subject to investigations related to animal welfare, yet he repeatedly failed to provide a safe and hygienic environment for his animals. This pattern of neglect underscored the ongoing issues associated with his care of animals.

In sentencing, the court ordered Gallogly to pay a fine of £350 along with costs amounting to £7,072. Additionally, he was disqualified from keeping any animals for a period of five years, a ban that will remain in effect until October 2027. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of local authorities to combat animal cruelty and enforce animal welfare laws in the region.