A multi-agency meeting has been held in Lurgan after two dogs were discovered dead inside a house, with police warning people not to speculate online while the case proceeds through the courts.
The meeting took place on the morning of 24 August 2026 and involved Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Arbour Housing and local politicians. It followed the discovery of the animals at a property in the town the previous week.
A 47-year-old man has been charged with abandoning an animal and causing unnecessary suffering to animals. He is due to appear before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on 9 September.
What police found
Police found the remains of the two dogs after they had been locked inside crates at the property. The report said one dog’s tooth was found wrapped around the bars of its cage, apparently as the animal tried to escape.
The deaths have prompted concern locally about whether earlier efforts to raise concerns about the animals were properly handled. A resident told BBC Radio Ulster’s The Nolan Show that he had tried several times to contact the council’s dog warden and Animal Welfare Department.
The resident said he could not understand “how the council have let it happen.”
DUP Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley said “serious questions” remained over the case. He has written to the council and Arbour Housing seeking answers.
Police appeal for restraint
The PSNI described the multi-agency meeting as “extremely productive” and said it demonstrated that all calls had been thoroughly followed up. However, police said the public’s desire for answers must be balanced with the need to respect due process.
Officers warned that comments or speculation on social media could jeopardise the prospect of a fair hearing. The warning comes while the criminal case remains before the courts.
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Chief Inspector Caldwell also urged anyone concerned about an animal’s welfare to contact the relevant agency immediately, saying action would be taken to ensure the animal’s safety.
Police said reports of possible neglect or cruelty towards a domestic animal should be directed to the local council first, although officers would assist when required.
Concerns involving wildlife crime should instead be reported to police. These include badger baiting, bird poisoning, the destruction or disturbance of bat roosts, releasing non-native species into the wild, illegal wildlife trapping, trade in endangered species and deer poaching. Police also asked people to contact them where an animal is on the road or other criminal activity is suspected, using 101 for non-emergencies or 999 in an emergency.
What the agencies said
The council said it could not comment on the specific circumstances while police enquiries were ongoing.
Arbour Housing said its team had visited the property but could not gain entry or contact the tenant. Following its standard protocol, it referred the matter for a welfare check. The housing organisation said it later received correspondence from the tenant confirming that all was well and subsequently closed its case.
The 47-year-old’s scheduled court appearance is the next stated procedural step in the case. The police investigation and any subsequent court proceedings remain subject to due process.