Henry Gerard Kelly, with an address at Gortgole Road, Portglenone, Ballymena, Co Antrim, was convicted of three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to animals, failing to dispose of a carcase and one charge of failing to comply with a notice.

He appeared at Ballymena Magistrates court on Thursday and was disqualified from keeping animals for five years. The farmer also received a six month prison sentence. suspended for three years.

The animal welfare issues were uncovered during an inspection of Kelly’s farm by Officers from Veterinary Service Enforcement Branch. An improvement notice was served to the farmer, but he failed to comply.

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