JAMES STEELE'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN GLENAVY AND DUNDROD REVEALED

James Steele, a resident of 15 Gobrana Road in Glenavy, has been convicted of multiple heinous animal cruelty offences, highlighting a disturbing pattern of neglect and suffering inflicted upon various farm animals. Born around 1969, Steele’s actions have drawn significant attention from authorities and animal welfare organizations alike.

In 2017, Steele pleaded guilty to a total of 16 charges, which included ten counts of causing unnecessary suffering to cattle, sheep, calves, and a bull. These offences spanned from September 17, 2015, to January 10, 2016, and were uncovered during a series of inspections carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The inspections targeted land Steele was renting in the areas of Crumlin, Dundrod, and Glenavy, revealing a shocking level of animal neglect.

During these visits, DAERA officials discovered numerous instances of animal suffering. Among the most distressing findings were animals kept in unsuitable conditions, such as lame animals confined within slatted sheds that were not appropriate for their needs. One cow was found with severely overgrown hooves, a condition that causes immense pain and difficulty in movement. A calf was so severely infected in its hoof and leg that euthanasia was deemed necessary to prevent further suffering.

Further inspections uncovered a sheep suffering from cerebrocortical necrosis, a neurological disease that causes distress and neurological impairment. The sheep was later euthanized by a veterinarian to alleviate its suffering. Additionally, a young Charolais bull was found to be weak, dehydrated, and suffering from pneumonia. Given its poor prognosis and overall poor body condition, the animal was also euthanized to prevent further pain.

One of the most disturbing scenes was at a yard on Lisnataylor Road in Dundrod, where inspectors found a cubicle house designed with 18 feeding spaces but overcrowded with 97 animals, including 49 cows, a bull, and 47 calves. This overcrowding meant that the animals did not have adequate access to food, which is a clear violation of animal welfare standards. The passageways within the facility were knee-deep in slurry, and there was no bedding provided for the calves. Shockingly, a dead calf was found in an area accessible to other calves, indicating neglect and poor management.

Some animals had been without food or water for several days, further emphasizing the neglect Steele was responsible for. As a result of these findings, DAERA officials obtained a seizure and deprivation order, leading to the seizure of 153 cattle from Steele’s land. During the examination, it was determined that 13 of these animals were unfit for travel and had to be euthanized to prevent further suffering.

It was also revealed during court proceedings that Steele had a history of animal cruelty convictions. In a previous case, also handled through suspended sentences, Steele was found guilty of causing suffering to donkeys kept in the Dundrod area in June 2015. The Animal Welfare Service responded to this case by finding 11 donkeys, nine of which had severely overgrown hooves, making walking painful and difficult. After a thorough examination, the veterinarian concluded that the condition of nine of these donkeys was so severe that humane destruction was the most compassionate option.

In sentencing, Steele received a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for four years. Additionally, he was banned from keeping farm animals for a period of 25 years, a measure intended to prevent further cruelty. These cases underscore the ongoing issues of animal neglect and the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws in Northern Ireland, particularly in rural areas like Glenavy and Dundrod.