TOM MONGAN FROM DUNMURRY BELFAST CAUGHT TRAFFICKING PUPPIES IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND ENGLAND

Tom Mongan, a man known for his involvement in illegal puppy breeding and trafficking activities based in Dunmurry, Belfast, has recently been convicted of serious animal cruelty charges. Born around 1995, Mongan resides at 4 Mill Pond Glen, Poleglass, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 0XX. His criminal activities came to light when he attempted to smuggle 16 puppies from Northern Ireland to England by clandestinely placing them in the trunk of his vehicle.

On October 1, 2020, Mongan was stopped by Harbour Police officers while preparing to board a ferry to Liverpool. During the inspection, authorities uncovered and confiscated a total of 16 puppies, which included breeds such as Chihuahuas, spaniels, and beagles. The puppies were found crammed into two small crates that were clearly too tight for their size, with some lying on top of each other in a filthy blue plastic container. The conditions inside the vehicle were deplorable, with a foul-smelling pillow covered in feces serving as bedding for some of the animals.

Prosecutors revealed that the puppies had been squeezed into cramped spaces without access to food or water for the duration of the approximately eight-hour journey. Veterinary examinations confirmed that several of the puppies were less than six weeks old and exhibited signs of illness. One particularly weak puppy was diagnosed with water on the brain, a condition that ultimately led to the animal being euthanized. Veterinarians emphasized that the puppies should not have been sold or transported until they were properly weaned and vaccinated, and even then, transportation should have been minimized to the shortest possible ferry crossing.

During the court proceedings, Mongan’s defense solicitor, Adrian Harvey, expressed remorse and explained that his client was distressed upon seeing photographs of the seized puppies. Harvey stated that Mongan admitted to engaging in the puppy trafficking solely for financial gain and claimed that other family members had encouraged him to undertake the journey. He also noted that Mongan had no prior experience with dogs and lacked knowledge of their needs. Harvey emphasized that his client accepted full responsibility for his actions, describing the situation as very distressing.

District Judge George Conner addressed Mongan directly, warning him that the offense could carry a maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment. Despite the gravity of the case and the judge’s stern remarks, Mongan was not sentenced to jail. Instead, he was handed a community service order, requiring him to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £680 towards the costs of the case. Mongan was also disqualified from owning or transporting any animals for a period of ten years, a ban that will expire in May 2033.

In a related case, Tom Mongan faces further allegations in Scotland, where he is accused of cruelty to animals at a property in Glasgow’s Shawlands and Tollcross areas between December 2020 and February 2021. Court documents state that he failed to maintain proper hygiene and provide a suitable environment for four dogs, including Bella, Albi, and Freya, all of whom have since died. The animals were reportedly suffering from conditions such as worm infestations, poor coat and body condition, and parvovirus. The case also involves his siblings, William Mongan and Brigid Mongan, who are accused of similar offenses at the same property during the same period. Brigid Mongan faces an additional charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog named Reggie, who was also suffering from poor health and parasitic infestation.

The Mongan family’s alleged cruelty extended to other properties, with accusations that they caused suffering to multiple dogs across different locations in Glasgow. The four individuals involved have pleaded not guilty, and the trial remains ongoing as of April 2023, with proceedings continuing in Glasgow Sheriff Court.