A 56-year-old man has been convicted of attempting to ‘Damage Or Destroy the Shelter of a Wild Animal’ and fined £500 following a report made to police on 22nd December, 2019.
Mr Joseph Rooney from Kilkeel, was also found guilty at Dungannon Crown Court of ‘Failing to Take Reasonable Steps to Ensure The Needs of an Animal’ and received a one month custodial sentence suspended for 18 months, and a conditional discharge of 12 months for ‘Resisting Arrest’.
Following his conviction, Mr Rooney lodged an appeal and on 13 June 2025, the conviction was upheld and the costs awarded to the Police Service for holding and caring for a seized dog were raised to £4,000. The dog has now been rehomed.
A police spokesperson said: “We first received a report back in December 2019, that there were a number of individuals in a field in the Glassdrummond Road area of Aughnacloy engaging in what appeared to be badger baiting.
“When police responded to the report, it was evident that these individuals were attempting to disrupt an active badger set by using a terrier-type dog, which was subsequently seized by officers. The terrier was suspected to have been used to facilitate the criminal activity. We are delighted that the dog has now been rehomed.
“This case is a testament to our commitment to investigate any unnecessary suffering inflicted on animals in relation to fighting offences, and particularly the illegal activity involved in this case.
“We do all we can to prevent animals being subjected to suffering and we would like to thank everyone involved in assisting in investigating this case, including but not limited to; the Dungannon and Clogher Neighbourhood Policing Teams, the Police Service Wildlife department, the wildlife department within Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Council Animal Welfare Officer and the vet involved, to help bring forward the successful prosecution.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to remind the public that badger baiting is illegal and no animal should have to suffer, whether that be a family pet or a wild animal. All animals must be protected and kept free from harm in a safe environment.”
If you have any concerns about the unnecessary suffering of any animal, local councils can investigate for domestic animal concern, DAERA for livestock and the PSNI can investigate if there is a more serious criminal involvement including fighting offences, so please contact your local council, DAERA or, PSNI on 101 or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport .
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org . Further information on animal welfare and/or wildlife crime can be found at www.psni.police.uk or www.wildlifecrimeni.org.