Conditional discharge for farmer convicted of a number of charges including causing unnecessary suffering to sheep

Mr Alan Montgomery (69) from Downpatrick Road, Killough, Downpatrick, was convicted at Downpatrick Magistrates' Court today (7 November) of four charges of causing unnecessary suffering to 16 sheep and 11 lambs, one charge of failure to take such steps as were reasonable in the circumstances to ensure the needs of animals were met, and three charges of failure to comply with a duty imposed under animal welfare regulations.

He pleaded guilty and received a conditional discharge for two years on each and all accounts.

The case arose from welfare inspections carried out by staff from Newtownards DAERA Direct Office. During these inspections they found numerous sheep in dirty living conditions without feed and water. Many of the sheep had foot root and were in poor condition. In the opinion of the Veterinary Officer present, numerous animals were suffering unnecessarily. A number of animals in poor condition were euthanised to prevent further suffering.