A south Armagh farmer who caused unnecessary suffering to animals has been given a suspended prison sentence.
John Thomas Sean Murphy, of Carnally Road, Silverbridge, was convicted in Newry Magistrates’ Court on Monday on a series of animal welfare charges.
The 60-year-old had been charged with failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of an animal were met, failing to prevent unnecessary suffering to bovine animals and failing to hold a carcase that had not been slaughtered for human consumption, pending consignment or disposal in such a manner as to ensure no animal or bird would have access to it.
Murphy was fined £2,500, and given a three month jail term suspended for two years.
He was also disqualified from owning, keeping, participating in keeping animals and being party to an arrangement under which that person is entitled to control or influence the way in which animals are kept, from dealing in animals, transporting and arranging for the transport of animals for two years.
This case arose following a complaint from a member of the public.
