Target: Justice Minister Naomi Long — Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Goal: Strengthen charging and sentencing policy on animal cruelty, seek appeal review where permitted, and expand bans and mandatory rehabilitation for offenders.
A man carried a Jack Russell-type dog in a bag then beat it in bushes near West Street and North Street. Video captured the assault. Police arrested Rolandas Kvederis, 49. He pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering. A vet later noted shock and soreness yet no confirmed fractures. Craigavon Magistrates Court imposed seven months custody suspended for 12 months, a five-year animal ownership ban and £300 compensation to an animal charity.
Alcohol and anger were cited in mitigation. That does not erase cruelty. The public needs clear deterrence. Northern Ireland should direct prosecutors to seek custody in egregious cases, longer disqualification orders where facts support it and compulsory alcohol treatment plus offender education. Courts should consider exclusion zones from keeping or handling animals and enforce compliance checks.
We urge the Department of Justice to back appeals where feasible, update guidance, and support USPCA and councils with tougher enforcement.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Long,
Portadown residents watched a man place a small dog in a bag and beat it. He pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering. The court imposed a suspended sentence, a five-year ban, and compensation.
We ask your office to support an immediate policy review so prosecutors consistently seek custodial sentences in serious cruelty cases. Please back applications for longer disqualification orders and mandatory rehabilitation, including alcohol treatment where relevant and offender education on animal welfare. Where statute permits, we ask you to support consideration of appeal in sentences that may be unduly lenient.
Clear consequences protect animals and communities. Strong guidance empowers prosecutors and gives courts firmer footing at sentencing. Please act so cruelty meets meaningful accountability.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Plank
