- Northern Ireland, United Kingdom -
On Monday, October 30, 2023, at Londonderry Magistrates’ Court 29-years-old PETER TOLAND (pictured) was found guilty of animal cruelty after he buried his dog, a 3-year-old American Bull terrier named Luna, alive.
This filth is facing one count of causing unnecessary suffering and three counts of failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of an animal.
District Judge Ted Magill released TOLAND on bail.
A member of the public found Luna buried up to her neck underneath rubble at Ballyarnett Country Park outside Derry on March 15, 2023. Reportedly, that citizen also saw two men at the scene.
Luna was then taken to the Whitehouse Veterinary Clinic.
Shauna Greeney, veterinary clinician at the Whitehouse Veterinary Clinic, said Luna was severely emaciated. She had multiple punctures to her head and nose, and had facial hematoma as well as fractures which had been caused by blunt force.
But that’s not all. Luna’s canine teeth were broken, her pulse was exposed, her abdomen had collapsed, she was covered in bite marks, and her ears were packed with mud.
Sadly, Luna was euthanized due to the severity of her injuries. A necropsy performed on Luna revealed that the fractures were recent, possibly only hours old, and the blows to the face had been caused by a wide object.
ITV reports that police launched an investigation, and following a large community response to a social media appeal, TOLAND was identified.
Police also received information that TOLAND had other animals in his home, but police efforts to contact him were unsuccessful.
After TOLAND’s identity became public, his home was attacked and the windows were smashed. TOLAND turned himself in “due to fear for his safety.”
Authorities obtained and executed a warrant. At TOLAND’s residence officials found in the backyard a pen with three dogs without bedding or water and covered in feces. The dogs were described as Whippet/Lurcher type. The Voiceless Victims were removed and taken to safety.
TOLAND was arrested and on March 18, 2023, he appeared at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court where District Judge Michael Ranaghan released him on a £1000 ($1,230) surety. Ranaghan ordered residence to be at an address approved to police, curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and electronic tagging. An additional condition of his release was that TOLAND was to sign three times per week with police. TOLAND was also ordered to not have, own or be left unsupervised with any animal.
TOLAND is scheduled for sentencing on December 11, 2023.
According to Sunday World, TOLAND has fled across the border after his house was attacked. He has recently been living in the Buncrana area of Co Donegal because of concerns for his safety.
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