A farmer who kept animals in what were described by the Department of Agriculture as “appalling conditions” has been convicted at Banbridge Magistrates’ Court.
The case – which was described as “serious” – led to the defendant being banned from keeping animals for two years.
Robert Martin, of Drumaghadone Road, Skeagh, Banbridge, was also given a conditional discharge for two years.
He pleaded guilty to one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a bovine animal, one charge of failing to isolate sick or injured animals in suitable accommodation with dry comfortable bedding, one charge of moving an animal before it had reacted negatively to a pre-movement test, one charge of failing to notify the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of the movement or deaths of bovine animals and one charge of failing to keep a herd register.
The serious case arose following numerous inspections of the defendant’s farm by DARD veterinary officers and inspectors.
The court heard officers discovered cattle being kept in appalling conditions.
The defendant failed to dispose of carcasses and failed to isolate sick or injured animals and get them veterinary attention.
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