Ballymena farmer sentenced on animal welfare and food hygiene offences

He was sentenced to three months imprisonment suspended for two years on each charge, to run concurrently. He was also disqualified from keeping all animals for five years plus £46 costs.

The offences included:

* one charge of failing to ensure the needs of animals were met to the extent of good practice;

* one charge of causing unnecessary suffering;

* one charge of failure to possess the appropriate ability, skills, knowledge or competence to care for animals;

* one charge of failure to provide appropriate feeding arrangements;

* one charge of failure to provide dry lying areas for animals;

* one charge of failure to dispose of animal carcases;

* one charge of failure to comply with a Food Hygiene Improvement Notice;

* one charge of failure to comply with a Food Hygiene Remedial Action Notice; and

* one charge of failure to ensure that milk was protected against contamination.

This case arose during a routine inspection by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (DARD) Milk Inspectors on behalf of the Food Standards Agency.