An Armagh company has been fined for transporting an animal that was not fit for the journey.
Killyfaddy Farms Ltd of Killyfaddy Road, appeared at Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Newry, on Monday.
The company was convicted and fined £300 plus £15 offender levy for one charge of transporting an animal which was not fit for the journey.
The case arose when a DAERA official vet at an abattoir examined an animal presented for slaughter.
The cow had a large swollen left fetlock joint with swelling extending down the hoof.
The cow was hesitant to move and when she did was unsteady on her feet.
The vet stated that, in her opinion, the animal was suffering from a longstanding condition which, given the inability to balance properly or place her foot directly on the ground, meant that this animal was caused unnecessary suffering by transporting her.
Meanwhile, Stephen Donald, of Carrick Road, Loughbrickland, was convicted at Newry Magistrates’ Court today of two charges of failure to notify the movement of cattle out of his herd or death of cattle.
The 53-year-old pleaded guilty and was fined £700 plus £15 offender levy.
The case arose following a cattle identification inspection of his herd by DAERA’s welfare and enforcement officers.
