Farmer fined £1000 for causing unnecessary suffering whilst transporting a cow

A farmer has been fined £1000 for transporting a cow in a way that caused or was likely to cause inury or unnecessary suffering.

Robert McFarland, from Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone, was convicted at Strabane Magistrates’ Court on 31 August 2016.

Mr McFarland was convicted and fined £1,000 plus £15 offender levy.

Mr McFarland presented a bovine animal for slaughter at an abattoir in Northern Ireland.

The official Veterinary Surgeon at the abattoir noticed that the animal had an injured right foreleg and in their opinion caused the cow unnecessary pain and suffering.

Mr McFarland was convicted of one charge of transporting a bovine animal to Foyle Omagh in a way that caused or was likely to cause injury or unnecessary suffering to that animal.

The UK government gives high priority to the welfare of animals and operates a vigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements.

Any breaches are investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted as necessary.