Kelly: Custodial sentences for horse cruelty pair will send a strong message

Alliance Antrim Councillor Neil Kelly has welcomed the custodial sentences handed down to Conor McAleenan and his father Robert for animal cruelty. They have been sentenced to 14 and 9 months respectively, half of which will be spent in custody and half on licence.

Police found 63 horses living in filthy conditions among decomposing corpses of other horses. Nine of the animals had to put down or were already dead.

Cllr Neil Kelly said: “I was sickened by the details of the cruelty carried by these two men. Their actions were completely barbaric and horrific. I cannot understand the mindset of those who would carry out such cruelty.

“I am glad that they have received custodial sentences. The judge has sent an important message to those who carry out animal cruelty that you are likely to receive a severe punishment. I hope this will act as a powerful deterrent to others.

“The cruelty carried out by these two men was despicable. I hope that we will never see the like of it again.”

ENDS