A CLOGHER man who admitted cruelty offences after two dogs were found dead, one of which had ingested illegal drugs, has been jailed and banned from owning any animal for life.

It previously emerged the defendant was under investigation for the death of a third dog which was found with “horrific injuries” several months beforehand.

Liam Swift (22), from McCrea Park, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a dog on October 5, then another dog on November 12, last year.

Dungannon Magistrates Court heard Swift was arrested over a bail breach on November 11, 2023, and because police knew he owned a dog, they attended his home to ensure it had food and water.

Officers found faeces everywhere and when the dog didn’t appear, they began checking rooms.

The dog was discovered dead on a pile of rubbish in a cupboard, a chain tightly wrapped round its neck, cutting into the skin.

Then on November 15, 2023, police learned there was a second dead dog hidden in a hedge near Swift’s home.

A search revealed the decomposing body of a small dog, wrapped in a blanket and placed in a bag.

Swift’s partner confirmed the small dog was hers, and she had brought it to his home on September 23, 2023, while staying with him.

She claimed on October 5, 2023, another male arrived at the property, and Ecstasy tablets were produced, which fell on the floor, and her dog ingested them.

It became "hyper” then fell asleep; however, she later noticed it was very wet, and asked Swift if he had thrown water over it, which he denied.

The partner left the house for a time, but later received a call from Swift claiming he couldn’t waken the dog and it “was in a bad way”.

On return, she found it “cold and dead”.

She wrapped it in a blanket and the pair went outside to bury it, but they had no shovel, so left it in the hedge.

Two weeks after the death of this dog, the defendant purchased another dog, but contacted his partner on November 10, 2023, claiming it had run away.

The court heard: “This was the death of two dogs, killed inside a month, and the third dog within a year. There is already a live investigation into the death of another dog he allegedly killed in January, 2023. Its injuries were horrific.”

Bail was refused, and Swift remained in custody and pleaded guilty at the most recent court sitting.

A Defence barrister said the defendant has a troubled and complex background, and while he has some family support, “that has been significantly displaced, particularly as a result of the visceral reaction from the community to these charges".

Defence continued: "Those who operate outside the law have indicated to the defendant, in no uncertain terms, that he is not to return to his property, in light of the views taken.

"Offending of this type will follow him around for the rest of his life.”

Defence conceded Swift is in breach of two suspended sentences, but pointed out neither related to animal cruelty.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan remarked: “These dogs died horrible and potentially prolonged deaths.

"It was extreme cruelty to animals, which do not deserve to be treated by anybody like that.

"Cruelty at its most apparent. It was appalling behaviour.”

He imposed sentences totalling eight months' imprisonment, and activated the existing suspended sentences, bringing the total Swift will serve to 10 months.

The judge concluded: “It is my understanding I can make the disqualification order banning owning any animal for life, and that is what I will do.

"This man should not be around any animal, going forward.”