Mr Terry Millar, Derg Road, Strabane, County Tyrone, was convicted in respect of one charge under the Cattle Identification (Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998, one charge under the Sales, Markets and Lairs Order (Northern Ireland) 1975 and three charges under the Sheep and Goats (Records, Identification and Movement) (Northern Ireland) Order 2005.
Mr Millar pleaded guilty and was fined £2,000 plus £34 costs. He was also given a conditional discharge for two years in respect of one charge under the Sheep and Goats (Records, Identification and Movement) Order (Northern Ireland 2005).
Notes to Editors:
1. Mr Millar was convicted of one charge of failing to keep a register in accordance with the requirements of Article 3(2) of the Cattle Identification (Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998.
2. Mr Millar was convicted of one charge of failing to provide an adequate supply of suitable food, water and bedding for animals kept in a market or lair overnight, contrary to Article 22(b) of the Sales, Markets and Lairs Order (Northern Ireland) 1975 and Article 52 of the Disease of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981.
3. Mr Millar was convicted of three charges, one charge where the defendant moved or caused or permitted sheep under restriction to be moved, one charge where the defendant admitted sheep bearing no eartags into a market, and one charge where the defendant, failed to complete movement or market dispatch documents contrary to Articles 25(3), 21(2)(a) and 21(2)(e) of the Sheep and Goats (Records, Identification and Movement) Order (Northern Ireland) 2005 and Article 52 of the Disease of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981.
4. Accurately maintained herd and flock records corroborate and complement the APHIS details and help to maintain public confidence in beef and lamb traceability and assists in animal disease control.
5. The Department of Agriculture regards the movement of sheep without identification to be a serious issue and has invested significant resource in communicating this message, and in implementing the legislation. DARD regards this as much more than a ‘technical offence’ and is determined to ensure maximum compliance by the farming community and the mart operators.
6. Correct identification of sheep enables easy correlation, and consolidation, of sheep at a mart with mart sales records.
7. The current interest in food safety by both the Government and consumer groups means it is essential that the Department of Agriculture is clearly seen to be implementing all legislation pertaining to the traceability of livestock.
8. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
