Farmers convicted in court over Cattle Identification Legislation

Two farmers have been convicted in court with separate charges relating to Cattle Identification Legislation.

Roy Totten, from Lisburn, was convicted at Lisburn Magistrates Court of 31 charges relating to Cattle Identification Legislation.

Mr Totten pleaded guilty to nine charges of failing to notify the Department of Agriculture of the death of a bovine animal, ten charges of failing to record the details of the death of a bovine animal and four charges of failing to notify the Department of the birth of a bovine animal.

The Co Antrim farmer also pleaded guilty to seven charges of failing to record the details of the movement of a bovine animal and one charge of failing to record the details of replacement ear tags on three bovine animals.

Mr Totten was fined a total of £3,100 and was ordered to pay £55 costs

Meanwhile, Seamus Kerr, from Carrickmore in Co Tyrone, was convicted at Omagh Magistrates Court of two charges relating to Cattle Identification legislation, two charges relating to Animal By-Product legislation and three charges relating to Animal Welfare legislation.

Mr Kerr was found guilty on two charges of failing to dispose of animal by-products in his possession or under his control without due delay, one charge of causing unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress to cattle, one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to cattle and one charge of cruelly ill-treating cattle.

He was also found guilty of one charge of failing to notify the Department of the death of three bovine animals and one charge of failing to notify the Department of the birth of two bovine animals.

Mr Kerr was fined a total of £1,300 and was ordered to pay £10 court costs and £200 witness costs.

(MB)