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Date: 6 January 2026
At Belfast County Court today, Tuesday 6 January 2026, Ms Connie Vokes of Shore Road, Belfast was sentenced following her earlier conviction relating to animal welfare offences.
Belfast City Council took the prosecution after a visit to Ms Vokes’ home at Shore Road, Belfast in November 2024 found a Shar Pei dog in need of veterinary treatment being kept at the address. Ms Vokes was served with two Improvement Notices in respect of the dog instructing her to have it treated by a veterinary professional and to provide evidence of the treatment. Following the issue of the notices, Ms Vokes did not provide the veterinary care required within the seven days stated on the notices.
Ms Vokes was sentenced to four months custody for failing to ensure the welfare of an animal and three months for each of the two failures to comply with an Improvement Notice.
With all sentences to run concurrently and suspended for 12 months. Ms Vokes was also ordered to pay £200 legal and court costs.
The Court further disqualified Ms Vokes from owning any animal for a period of 5 years.