According to DAERA, the case related to a number of offences committed against animals, including horses.

Martha Toal of School House Close, Glenanne, Co Armagh, was convicted of 11 charges, including causing unnecessary suffering, inappropriate disposal of equine carcases, and failure to provide animals with a wholeseome diet and care for those which appear ill. She was also found to be in breach of regulations on ear tags, animal movements and medicine records.

She received five months’ imprisonment on six charges and three months’ imprisonment on three charges, to run concurrently. She was also ordered to pay £1,125 in fines and costs, and disqualified from keeping all animals for life.

Michael Ferris of Shillinghill Rd, Mowhan, Co Armagh, was found guilty of 10 similar offences and sentenced to five months’ imprisonment on six charges and three months’ imprisonment on two charges, to run concurrently. He, too, was disqualified from keeping animals for life and ordered to pay £875 in fines and costs.

DAERA said it was granted an order to seize nine animals in the two farmers’ possession.

According to DAERA, the case arose as a result of an anonymous complaint about the welfare of the animals kept on the premises.