JOSEPH MCWILLIAMS FROM NORTH BELFAST SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY AND ILLEGAL DOG BREEDING

Joseph McWilliams, a resident of North Belfast, has been convicted in 2024 of serious animal cruelty and illegal dog breeding activities. The case centered around his property on Upper Meadow Street, where authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of neglect and unlicensed breeding operations.

McWilliams, also known by the alias Joseph Martin, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by leaving a facial wound untreated. The dog, a bully-type breed, was discovered by Belfast City Council’s animal welfare officers during a routine visit to McWilliams’ home on Monday, August 1, 2022. The officers observed the dog with a severe, untreated injury to its muzzle, which prompted immediate action. The dog was removed from the premises and taken to a veterinarian for urgent medical treatment, which included emergency surgery to address the wound.

In addition to the cruelty charge, McWilliams was convicted of operating a dog breeding establishment without the necessary licensing. The authorities found multiple dogs and puppies at a neighboring address on the same street during their investigation on August 2, 2022. These findings indicated that McWilliams was engaged in breeding activities that were not authorized by law, raising concerns about the welfare and regulation of the animals involved.

The prosecution was brought forward by Belfast City Council, which emphasized the importance of animal welfare laws and the need to prevent illegal breeding practices. McWilliams was sentenced to a total of 14 months in jail, but the sentence was suspended for 12 months, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to pay legal and other costs amounting to £722.

As part of his punishment, McWilliams was disqualified from owning any animals for a period of 10 years, a ban that will expire in August 2034. His partner, Ashleen Moyes, was present at the address but was not prosecuted in connection with the case. The case highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to combat illegal dog breeding and ensure animal welfare standards are upheld in North Belfast.