Mr Bethel was found guilty and was fined £2,500 plus £97 costs.
Notes to Editors:
1. Mr Bethel was convicted of five charges of, in contravention of Article 4(1) of the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order (Northern Ireland) 1997, transporting a bovine animal in a way that was likely to cause injury or unnecessary suffering to that animal, contrary to Article 52(1)(a) of the Diseases of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981.
2. The Department gives high priority to the welfare of animals in transport and operates a vigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements. Any breaches are investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted as necessary.
3. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
