Robert Clarke (Keady) Ltd, 105 Darkely Road, Keady, Armagh was convicted at Armagh Magistrates Court on 16 November 2007 of eight charges under the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 and the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 and three charges under the Animal By-Products (NI) Regulations 2003.
Mr Clarke pleaded guilty and was fined £1,550 plus £67 costs.
Notes to Editors:
- Mr Clarke was convicted of six charges of failing to provide adequate cage floor space, cage height or cage construction for hens contrary to Regulation 13(1)(a) of the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 and Section 2(1) of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972.
- Mr Clarke was also convicted of one charge of failing to ensure that the cages were fitted with suitable claw-shortening devices and one charge of failing to ensure that the accommodation and fittings for securing the hens were constructed and maintained so that there were no sharp edges or protrusions likely to cause injury to them, contrary to Regulation 13(1)(a) of the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 and Section 2(1) of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972.
- Mr Clarke was also convicted of three charges of allowing living hens to have access to an animal by product, namely hen carcasses, without lawful excuse or authority, contrary to paragraph 9(2) of Part III of the Animal By-Products (NI) Regulations 2003.
- The Department gives high priority to the welfare of poultry and operates a vigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements. Any breaches are investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted as necessary.
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