Father and son jailed for animal cruelty

Stanley Porter Snr (80) and his son Stanley Porter Jnr (44), Ballycloughan Road, Saintfield, Ballynahinch were sentenced at Downpatrick Magistrates' Court on Monday.

The pair had a history of neglecting their animals, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

In spring 2013, veterinary officers from DARD visited the farm and had to humanely destroy the animals due to unnecessary suffering. The pair had previously been warned to improve conditions on their farm.

Another inspection by DARD following the Stanleys' court appearence on the 22 January found a number of cattle were starving and emaciated. They were also living with illness and immobility. As a result 42 were euthanised.

On the 10 February, when DARD returned to the farm to remove the herd under the deprivation order, they found 33 animals were unfit for transport and had to be destroyed. Some 59 animals were healthy enough to move to another farm.

They pleaded guilty to three charges of failure to ensure the needs of animals met the extent required by good practice, three charges of failure to hold carcases in such a manner as to ensure that any animal or bird did not have access to it, three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to bovine animals, and one charge of failure to produce medicine records.

In addition to four months in prison, they were also fined £1,250 pounds each plus costs. They were also disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years and received a deprivation order for the removal of their animals.

Danny Gray, Head of DARD Veterinary Service Enforcement Branch, said it was a shocking and distressing case of animal neglect and animal suffering.

"It was also an extremely distressing case for the local inspectors, vets and enforcement officers who had to attend the farm and I commend their professionalism and perseverence," he said.

"The sentence sends out a clear message that those who neglect animals will be pursued by DARD and punished accordingly. Any breaches are investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted as necessary."