A man has been given suspended prison sentences and has received a ban from keeping animals for five years after throwing a kitten against a wall.
At Belfast Magistrates Court today on Tuesday (October 11) Ryan Schlaubitz was convicted of failing to ensure the welfare of a kitten and causing unnecessary suffering to a kitten at an address at Ballysillan Crescent in 2017.
Schlaubitz was handed a four month prison sentence under section four of The Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. He was also handed a two month prison sentence on a second charge under section nine of the 2011 Act. Both sentences were suspended for 12 months.
Read more: Newtownards "Pigeon problem" to be tackled by local council
The prosecution was taken by Belfast City Council after receiving a report that the kitten had been thrown against a wall, causing injuries to its face. The kitten later required veterinary treatment.
Mr Schlaubitz was also ordered to pay costs of £176.
READ NEXT:
Springfield Road seven metre tall sculpture recommended by Belfast Council
Belfast councillors advised to assert public right of way over blocked East Belfast path
Ormeau residents victory as council rejects 1am license for new £8m hotel on site of church
Belfast City Council looks into big investment plan for city parks
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.