A Co Armagh farmer has admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a cow.
Maurice Foster (48) of Farnaloy Road, Madden, was convicted at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
He pleaded guilty to three charges of causing unnecessary suffering, one charge of failure to comply with an improvement notice, one charge of failure to dispose of animal by-products in such a manner as to ensure that any animals or bird would not have access to it, one charge of failure to produce medicine records and one charge of obstructing an inspector.
Foster was fined £850 plus £15 offender levy.
The case arose as a result of discrepancies found during an inspection of his herd.
A number of cattle on the premises were found to be in very poor body condition, a follow-up investigation was carried out by officers from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DAERA) welfare and enforcement branch.
“The department gives high priority to the welfare of animals and operates a vigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements. Any breaches are investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted as necessary,” a DAERA statement said.
