MICHAEL CONWELL FROM CLAUDY SENTENCED FOR DOG ABUSE IN LONDONDERRY

In a case that has shocked the local community of Claudy and the wider Londonderry area, Michael Conwell, a resident of Slievebuoy Park, was found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving three dogs. The investigation into his actions was initiated during a police operation targeting wildlife offences in the Claudy region of Londonderry. Authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of animal abuse when they searched Conwell's property, revealing three dogs with injuries that strongly suggested involvement in illegal badger baiting activities.

One of the dogs, a lurcher, was found with long-standing injuries to the right side of her mouth and damage to her lips. A veterinarian who examined her estimated that these injuries had been inflicted approximately three months prior to discovery. The dog's overall condition was described as poor, indicating prolonged suffering. Another dog, a Patterdale terrier, also exhibited damage to her lips and scars, with the vet believing these injuries were around two months old. The third animal, a cross between a Cairn Terrier and a Patterdale, had multiple missing teeth and injuries to her lips, with the vet estimating the injuries to be between two weeks and three months old.

Although Conwell was not formally charged with or convicted of badger baiting, the veterinarian's assessment suggested that the injuries were consistent with such illegal activity. The police removed all three dogs from Conwell's residence and placed them in kennels for their safety and treatment. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) incurred costs of approximately £14,000 for kennelling and caring for the animals. Fortunately, all three dogs have since recovered from their injuries and are now awaiting rehoming, pending the outcome of court proceedings.

During police interviews, Conwell chose to remain silent, offering no explanation for the injuries inflicted on his dogs. His refusal to cooperate was noted during the investigation. The court sentenced Conwell to three months in prison, a sentence that was subsequently increased to four months on appeal but was suspended for three years. Additionally, he was ordered to pay the kennelling costs, which were reduced from £14,000 to £7,500 on appeal. As part of his punishment, Conwell was disqualified from owning animals for life, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the community's concern for animal welfare.