Wayne Matchett from Loughgall Road in Portadown pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences. The charges involved causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to comply with an improvement notice under the Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act.

He appeared for sentencing at Newry Magistrates' Court on March 2. The court imposed a combination order of 18 months probation and 80 hours community service. Matchett also received a five-year disqualification from keeping animals.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council brought the charges. Council animal welfare officers acted on a report about two dogs at Matchett's former address on Fort Street in Banbridge.

Officers found two German Shepherd crossbreeds inside the property. The dogs were thin and underweight with dry coats and overgrown nails. The floors contained debris, dirt, faeces, urine and hazards.

A vet assessed the dogs and determined they suffered from dehydration and chronic malnourishment. The vet advised the council to take possession of the animals. The dogs have been rehomed.