Dan Hustiu, from Antrim, was sentenced at Antrim Magistrates’ Court on 25 June 2026 after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to ensure the welfare of a dog.

District Judge Broderick imposed a 10-year ban on keeping animals and ordered 240 hours of community service. Hustiu was also ordered to pay £155 in legal costs and £32 in court costs.

The prosecution followed reports to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council that a man had been seen hitting his dog, with video footage of the incidents later handed to the council’s animal welfare officer. The footage showed a man repeatedly punching a young collie, grabbing her muzzle and twisting her neck, and slamming her to the ground. The dog could be heard yelping in pain.

The officer secured a search warrant and visited the property, where the collie was found tethered to a refrigerator by a short lead. The dog was seized and examined by a council vet, who found a laceration on her tongue and neck pain consistent with the abuse.

A council spokesperson said the authority gives high priority to animal welfare and operates a rigorous enforcement policy. Complaints are investigated thoroughly and formal action is taken where necessary, including seizure and prosecution. The case serves as a warning to others.