STEPHANIE MCLoughlin FROM BANBRIDGE FACES CRIMINAL CHARGES OVER DOG ABUSE AND NEGLECT
| Red Rose Database
Banbridge Animal Abuser
Stephanie Denise McLoughlin, born on December 8, 1969, and formerly residing at Barcroft Park, Drumalane, Newry BT35 8ES, has been at the center of a disturbing animal welfare case that has drawn significant attention from local authorities. She is now living at Church Street, Banbridge BT32 4AA, where she was found to be keeping a total of eight dogs under deplorable conditions that ultimately led to the suffering and death of six of the animals.
McLoughlin’s history includes previous convictions for criminal damage and drink-driving, but her latest legal issues are directly related to her neglect of her pets. She pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to her dogs and for failing to take reasonable steps to meet their welfare needs. These charges were brought forward by the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council under the provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, following a report that raised serious concerns about the state of the animals kept at her property.
On June 28, 2021, an Animal Welfare Officer visited the residence in Banbridge after receiving reports about the dogs’ condition. During the inspection, the officer observed one terrier-type dog at the rear of the property and three other terrier-type dogs on the windowsill inside the living room. All of the animals appeared to be in a severely neglected state, exhibiting clear signs of chronic skin conditions that had been left untreated for a significant period.
When the officer attempted to access the property to conduct a thorough assessment, McLoughlin became aggressive and refused entry. She also proceeded to remove three of the dogs from the premises, prompting the police to be called in to assist with the investigation and ensure the process could continue without further incident. Once authorities gained access, they discovered extremely unhygienic conditions inside the home. The floors were littered with canine feces, discarded waste materials, and tin cans bearing evidence of dog bites. The air was thick with the smell of ammonia, a clear indication of the presence of urine and excrement.
Following the inspection, the Council’s contracted veterinarian examined the animals and the environment in which they were kept. The veterinarian concluded that all eight dogs needed to be removed from the property immediately due to their poor health and living conditions. The assessment revealed that six of the dogs were suffering from severe inflammatory parasitic skin disease, which had been ongoing for a long period. The severity of their condition necessitated humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
Fortunately, the remaining two dogs were deemed suitable for rehoming and were taken into the care of the Council, where they could receive proper veterinary treatment and find new, caring homes. The veterinarian’s report confirmed that all animals required urgent medical attention, highlighting the extent of neglect and abuse they had endured.
In court, McLoughlin was sentenced to a two-year conditional discharge, fined £250, and ordered to pay £176 in legal costs along with a £15 offenders levy. Additionally, a ten-year disqualification order was imposed, prohibiting her from owning or keeping any animals during that period. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of local authorities to protect vulnerable animals from neglect and cruelty in the Banbridge area.
McLoughlin’s history includes previous convictions for criminal damage and drink-driving, but her latest legal issues are directly related to her neglect of her pets. She pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to her dogs and for failing to take reasonable steps to meet their welfare needs. These charges were brought forward by the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council under the provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, following a report that raised serious concerns about the state of the animals kept at her property.
On June 28, 2021, an Animal Welfare Officer visited the residence in Banbridge after receiving reports about the dogs’ condition. During the inspection, the officer observed one terrier-type dog at the rear of the property and three other terrier-type dogs on the windowsill inside the living room. All of the animals appeared to be in a severely neglected state, exhibiting clear signs of chronic skin conditions that had been left untreated for a significant period.
When the officer attempted to access the property to conduct a thorough assessment, McLoughlin became aggressive and refused entry. She also proceeded to remove three of the dogs from the premises, prompting the police to be called in to assist with the investigation and ensure the process could continue without further incident. Once authorities gained access, they discovered extremely unhygienic conditions inside the home. The floors were littered with canine feces, discarded waste materials, and tin cans bearing evidence of dog bites. The air was thick with the smell of ammonia, a clear indication of the presence of urine and excrement.
Following the inspection, the Council’s contracted veterinarian examined the animals and the environment in which they were kept. The veterinarian concluded that all eight dogs needed to be removed from the property immediately due to their poor health and living conditions. The assessment revealed that six of the dogs were suffering from severe inflammatory parasitic skin disease, which had been ongoing for a long period. The severity of their condition necessitated humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
Fortunately, the remaining two dogs were deemed suitable for rehoming and were taken into the care of the Council, where they could receive proper veterinary treatment and find new, caring homes. The veterinarian’s report confirmed that all animals required urgent medical attention, highlighting the extent of neglect and abuse they had endured.
In court, McLoughlin was sentenced to a two-year conditional discharge, fined £250, and ordered to pay £176 in legal costs along with a £15 offenders levy. Additionally, a ten-year disqualification order was imposed, prohibiting her from owning or keeping any animals during that period. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of local authorities to protect vulnerable animals from neglect and cruelty in the Banbridge area.