By 
A Dungannon transporter was convicted at Laganside Court yesterday.
Mr Eugene Daly (41) of Derryfubble Road, was convicted of one charge of transporting a dog which was not fit for the journey.
Mr Daly pleaded guilty and fined £400 plus £15 offender levy.
The case arose, as part of “Paws for Thought” (DAERA Campaign) which includes enhanced checks on the export of all puppies from Northern Ireland to Great Britain. Checks carried out on exports made by Mr Daly discovered that false destination addresses for the puppies were being provided.
On March 10 of last year, a consignment of puppies belonging to Mr Daly were inspected at Belfast Port by a Veterinary Officer and in their opinion, some of the puppies were not eight weeks old.
Many seemed poorly socialised, had extended tummies and a pot-bellied appearance consistent with worm infestation. The bedding in the cages appeared wet and quite heavily soiled considering the puppies had allegedly only been loaded less than two hours previously.