By Munisha Newsroom
A Belfast woman has been sentenced to community service, probation and a 10-year ban on owning animals after convictions linked to the care of a dog at her home.
Amanda Walker, of Bentinck Street, Belfast, was sentenced at Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. Belfast City Council said the case followed animal welfare visits to her property in October and November 2025.
Community service and animal ownership ban
The court ordered Ms Walker to complete 80 hours of community service and serve 12 months of probation.
She was also ordered to pay £174 in legal and court costs. In addition, the court disqualified her from owning any animal for 10 years.
The sentence followed her earlier conviction for three offences under The Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. A related Munisha report on the Belfast animal ownership ban sets out the key court outcome.
Dog found in need of veterinary care
Belfast City Council prosecuted Ms Walker after council animal welfare officers visited her Bentinck Street home.
During an initial welfare visit, officers found a Collie-type dog that needed veterinary attention. Ms Walker was served with two Improvement Notices requiring her to seek veterinary treatment for the dog and provide evidence that care had been obtained.
The council said Ms Walker failed to provide evidence of the requested care.
Welfare of Animals Act offences
Ms Walker was convicted of two counts of failing to comply with an Improvement Notice under Section 10 of The Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.
She was also convicted of one count of failing to ensure the needs of an animal under Section 9 of the same legislation.
The case was brought by Belfast City Council and heard at Belfast Magistrates Court.
Source: Belfast Scraper
Source check Source trail
This report is based on Belfast City Council's published account of the court sentence and charges.
- Matched the sentencing date to Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
- Checked the named court as Belfast Magistrates Court.
- Checked the listed penalties: 80 hours of community service, 12 months of probation, £174...
- Checked the cited legal basis under Sections 9 and 10 of The Welfare of Animals Act (North...
- Source
- Belfast City Council
- Scope
- Belfast
- Updated
- 2026-06-04 22:21
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