Farmer fined after animal carcases found on his land

Gardai discovered a sheep skeleton and other dying animals when they visited a farm in Co Donegal.
Gardaí were tipped off by animal welfare officers about possible cases of cruelty on the farm of 56-year-old Joseph McBride.
Sgt Christy Galligan told Letterkenny District Court he had called to the farm at Murlog, Downings, in February and March 2010. He found a lame goat in poor condition, a dead lamb and the skeleton of a sheep.
The court was also told a number of other animals were in poor condition.
McBride was charged with failing to remove dead animals from his property.
Pictures of the scene were given to Judge Paul Kelly who said “the pictures don’t make attractive viewing”.
Defence solicitor Kieran Dillon told the court McBride was a small farmer who had been suffering from ill health and that improvements had been made on the farm since the incident.
ISPCA inspector Kevin McGinley said they could not say for certain how the animals had died or had suffered.
He said it was not known how the animals died, but he said leaving their carcasses to rot was simply wrong.
Judge Kelly ordered McBride to pay €250 to the ISPCA and allow for another inspection of his farm before June 11th.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement