A 56-year-old man has been convicted of attempting to ‘Damage Or Destroy the Shelter of a Wild Animal’ and fined £500 at a court in Northern Ireland (NI) following a report made to police in 2019.
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, Rooney lodged an appeal and on June 13, 2025, the conviction was upheld and the costs awarded to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) 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,” the police spokesperson added.
The PSNI has said that it does all it can to prevent animals being subjected to suffering with the help of others such as 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.
“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,” the PSNI spokesperson continued.
“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 in NI can investigate for domestic animal concern, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for livestock and the PSNI can investigate if there is a more serious criminal involvement including fighting offences.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
