NIGEL FOSTER'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN KILLINCHY AND DOWNPATRICK REVEALED

Nigel John Foster, a man born in May 1967 and residing at 6 Whiterock Road, Killinchy, near Newtownards, has been found guilty of severe animal cruelty offenses. His latest conviction highlights the ongoing issues of neglect and mistreatment of farm animals in the region. Foster, who owns a farm located on Drumcaw Road in Clough, Downpatrick, faced multiple charges related to the suffering of pigs under his care, which culminated in a court hearing that exposed the appalling conditions on his property.

In November 2019, Foster admitted to ten counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals and one count of failing to properly dispose of animal carcasses. The charges stemmed from inspections carried out by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) officials, who discovered approximately 70 animals on Foster’s farm. The inspection revealed a distressing scene: some pigs were found dead, others were severely emaciated, and three had to be euthanized due to their critical condition.

Witnesses reported that some of the living pigs were feeding on the carcasses of their deceased counterparts, a clear indication of the dire circumstances. Many animals had no access to food, with some being fed flour, and none of the pigs had proper bedding or dry, lined areas to rest. The pens where the animals were kept were contaminated with water and faeces due to leaking pipes, creating an unsanitary environment that further compromised the animals’ welfare.

When DAERA inspectors contacted Foster about the situation, he claimed that the animals were suffering from a contagious disease, which prevented him from selling them. He also asserted that the pigs were under veterinary treatment, although no evidence was provided to support this claim. Despite being ordered to dispose of the carcasses, Foster failed to do so, and when inspectors returned a week later, the carcasses remained on the farm.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Foster was suffering from a broken left foot, which he said led him to make “alternative arrangements” for the care of the animals. The court also learned that Foster was declared bankrupt at the time and that both he and his wife, Josephine Susan Foster, born in December 1969, were facing the repossession of their home. Foster’s wife was associated with Killinchy Free Range Pork Limited.

Judge Gordon Kerr KC described the case as a “very bad” example of animal suffering, condemning the conditions as “absolutely appalling.” The judge emphasized that no animals should be kept in such neglectful circumstances and expressed disappointment that this was Foster’s third appearance in court for animal welfare offenses.

Foster was sentenced to seven and a half months in prison, with an identical period on license. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £7,500 in compensation and was banned from keeping any animals for seven years, a ban set to expire in 2030. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the offenses and the need for strict penalties to prevent future cruelty.

Historically, Foster’s record includes a previous conviction in December 2006, when he received a two-month suspended sentence and a fine of £1,400 for cruelty to sows and piglets. At that time, he was also banned from keeping livestock for two years. The earlier charges involved permitting unnecessary suffering and pain to pigs, as well as failing to provide adequate water, dry bedding, and a wholesome diet. This history highlights a pattern of neglect and cruelty that has persisted over the years, prompting ongoing concern from animal welfare authorities and the local community in Killinchy and Downpatrick.