A 29-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty offences, including causing unnecessary suffering to animals and four counts of failing to ensure their welfare, following the discovery of an injured dog in Derry.
The dog was found partially buried and severely injured near a pathway in Ballyarnett Country Park on Wednesday, March 15, just 10 feet from a walkway leading to Cornshell Fields. A member of the public discovered the animal and immediately brought her to a veterinary clinic.
Despite efforts to save her, the dog — suffering from brain trauma, broken ribs, and a collapsed lung — was humanely euthanized the following day.
Derry-based charity Pet FBI Rescue described the injuries as the result of a brutal beating with rocks, saying additional rocks had been placed on top of her.
“Her suffering was ended on Thursday, and she passed away in the arms of our volunteer,” the charity stated.
On Thursday, March 16, police searched a property in the Carnhill area, seizing three other dogs, now placed into appropriate care.
The PSNI arrested the suspect, who remains in custody, and confirmed he is set to appear before Dungannon Magistrates Court on Saturday, March 18.
Inspector Kyle Rowntree said the investigation is ongoing, and police remain committed to holding those responsible for animal cruelty accountable.