MARCUS MCMILLAN SENTENCED IN BELFAST FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AND DRUG OFFENSES

Drug dealer Marcus McMillan, born on 13 June 1995 and residing on Benmore Drive in Finaghy, west Belfast, was convicted in 2022 for severe animal cruelty. He kept ten dogs with horrendous facial injuries in outdoor kennels on his farm yard located on Drumlough Road, between Royal Hillsborough and Anahilt. McMillan pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to five dogs and neglecting their welfare, under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. The case was prosecuted by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.

The injured dogs—primarily terriers—were discovered during a police drug raid carried out by PSNI officers. Animal welfare officers and a veterinarian were called to the scene; however, McMillan refused to sign over the animals to their care when asked. Consequently, the dogs were seized over concerns they might endure further harm. During questioning by animal welfare officers, McMillan admitted he was the sole owner of the animals.

The court was informed of the extent of their injuries: one dog had to undergo surgical reconstruction of her jaw, while another was missing her nose. Additional injuries included a dog with his ear torn off, another with a staple lodged in his head—likely attempting to close a wound—and another missing her nose. Many dogs had active infections, with at least one exhibiting a recent wound—a hole between her mouth and chin.

Prosecution officials noted there was no evidence the dogs had received any treatment or pain relief. One dog’s injuries were described as causing pain "with every lick and bite." All but two of the dogs were since rehomed; the remaining two were stolen from the sanctuary where they had been sheltered.

Police also discovered more than 100 tablets of pregabalin (Lyrica) and temazepam, as well as nearly £4,400 in cash. McMillan admitted at the scene that the drugs belonged to him.

McMillan faced multiple charges: two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals, failing to provide for their needs, two counts of possession of class C drugs, and one of possession of criminal property. He pleaded guilty to all but the criminal property charge, for which he was subsequently convicted.

The estimated cost for the treatment and care of the injured dogs totaled £5,814. Judge Watters described the injuries as "horrendous" and inquired about their cause. An animal welfare officer stated they were caused by hunting but was unable to confirm if foxes or badgers were responsible.

McMillan’s lawyer claimed the injuries resulted from fox hunting rather than badger baiting and stated that McMillan has shown "genuine remorse" for the incidents.

Sentencing included five months’ imprisonment for causing unnecessary suffering and five months for neglecting the dogs, to run concurrently. He also received three months in prison for possession of class C drugs and five months for possession of criminal property; these sentences will run concurrently. He was also ordered to pay £6,048 in council costs and was given a lifetime ban on keeping animals.