FARMER CONVICTED OF ANIMAL WELFARE CRIMES IN COUNTY ARMAGH
Farmer Tiernan James McMullen, born in 2001, of 37 Granary Drive, Keady, County Armagh, was convicted in his absence in 2025 of multiple animal welfare offences.The convictions include five charges under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and one under the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) Regulations 2015.
The charges consist of three counts of failure to ensure the animals' needs were met, two charges of causing unnecessary suffering, and one charge of failing to properly dispose of an animal carcass.
The prosecution followed an inspection by DAERA Welfare and Enforcement Officers on February 23, 2024, which revealed numerous animals in poor condition, without access to feed, and some with no dry lying area.
The only available feed was contaminated grass silage in an open yard, which was unsuitable for nearly 100 animals.
The animals had access to shelter deep with slurry and with defective roofing that posed injury risks.
One bovine carcass was found among the living animals, and four sick animals had not been isolated for treatment.
Sadly, one of these was euthanized humanely.
As a result of these findings, McMullen was sentenced to a fine of £1,200 plus a £15 offender levy.
