An Omagh farmer appeared in court yesterday charged with a number of offences.
Mr Albert Irwin, Drumlegagh Church Road, Drumquin, Omagh Co Tyrone was convicted at Omagh Magistrates' Court on 8 April 2008 of nine charges under the Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act 1972 and one charge under the Animal By-Products Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003. Mr Irwin pleaded guilty and was fined £9,750.
Notes to Editors:
- Mr Irwin was convicted of nine charges of causing, or permitting the causing of unnecessary suffering of a bovine animal, contrary to section 13(g) of the Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act 1972.
- Mr Irwin was convicted of one charge of failing to dispose of Category 2 material, namely animal by-products, as defined in Article 5(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002, without undue delay, as required by Article 5(2) of the said Regulation, contrary to Regulation 5(1) of the Animal By-Products Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003.
- The Department gives high priority to the welfare of animals and operates a rigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements. Any breaches are investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted as necessary.
- 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.
