PETER TOLAND'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN BALLYARNETT: DOG BEATEN AND BURIED ALIVE IN DERRY

On March 15, 2023, a tragic case of animal cruelty unfolded in Ballyarnett, Londonderry, involving Peter Toland, a man with a long history of criminal activity. Toland, residing at 35 Cornshell Fields, Londonderry BT48 7UG, was found guilty of heinous acts against his dog, Luna, an American bulldog who suffered unimaginable injuries before her death.

According to reports, Luna was discovered in a severely compromised state by a member of the public in Ballyarnett Country Park. She was found partially buried beneath a stone, with multiple injuries that indicated she had been subjected to brutal violence. Emergency services responded swiftly, and police officers transported the dog to a veterinary clinic for urgent care. Despite efforts to save her, Luna was humanely euthanized due to the severity of her injuries. A post-mortem examination revealed that she was critically underweight, weighing only 19 kilograms, which is far below the healthy range for her breed.

The examination uncovered a series of disturbing injuries: a facial haematoma, fractures caused by blunt force trauma, and mud packed into her ears. Her body was emaciated, with a body condition score of just two out of nine, indicating severe muscle loss and starvation. Her canine teeth were broken, and her pulse was exposed, further highlighting the extent of her suffering. The injuries were recent, likely inflicted only hours before her discovery, suggesting a recent act of violence.

Judge Magill described Toland’s treatment of Luna as “extreme cruelty,” emphasizing that the dog had endured months of neglect and abuse before her tragic death. During police interviews, Toland claimed to have owned Luna for two years. He stated that he had traveled to Donegal on the day she was found and that upon his return, he noticed she was missing. Toland also mentioned that Luna had given birth to a litter of pups the previous October but admitted he had never taken her to a veterinary clinic or registered her with any animal health authority.

Further investigation revealed appalling conditions at Toland’s residence. Police found three other dogs confined in the enclosed rear garden, where there was no water available, inadequate bedding, and a significant accumulation of feces. Toland told officers that Luna had never run away before and that he had searched for her for only an hour after discovering her absence. The prosecutor highlighted the neglect, pointing out that Luna’s disappearance was uncharacteristic and that her condition indicated prolonged suffering.

During the court proceedings, Toland’s defense lawyer, Eoghan Devlin, acknowledged Toland’s poor treatment of animals but challenged the prosecution’s case regarding the circumstances of Luna’s burial. Devlin argued that police investigations were insufficient, criticizing the lack of CCTV footage review and the failure to organize an identification lineup for the witness who found Luna. The defense suggested that the dog might have escaped or been taken from the yard, and then subsequently buried.

However, the judge was unequivocal in condemning Toland’s actions. He stated that whether the dog was buried alive or taken and then buried, the act was “appalling and despicable.” The judge emphasized the dog’s dire condition, noting the broken teeth, facial fractures, puncture wounds, and emaciation, all signs of prolonged abuse. The court concluded that Toland’s neglect and inaction over several months directly contributed to Luna’s suffering and death.

Peter Toland, who has a criminal record with 46 previous convictions, was sentenced to nine months in prison. The court also imposed a lifelong ban on him owning or keeping animals. Despite the severity of the case, Toland was initially granted bail and allowed to appeal the sentence. However, on January 8, 2024, his appeal was dismissed after a hearing at Bishop’s Street County Court, and he was ordered to serve the full nine-month sentence. He had already spent 25 days on bail before the court’s decision.

Additional context involves Liam Glennon, a friend of Toland, who was initially implicated due to eyewitness accounts placing him near the scene on the day Luna was found. Glennon, known for posting disturbing images of animals being mauled by dogs on social media, denied involvement, and the case against him did not proceed. The case highlights the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and neglect associated with individuals like Toland and Glennon in the Londonderry area.