A book of evidence has been served on a Co Galway farmer facing numerous serious animal welfare charges.
Rachel Joyce, State solicitor for Galway west, is prosecuting Joseph Bowes on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine for 27 alleged breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
These related to the alleged mistreatment of protected animals, equines, and bovines, including weanlings.
Garda Aidan Fallon of Ballinasloe Garda Station confirmed to the local district court last week that he served a book of evidence on Mr Bowes of Eastwell, Cappataggle, County Galway on 28 May.
A bench warrant was previously issued for the arrest of the accused who failed to appear at a sitting of Ballinasloe District Court in February.
Judge James Faughnan refused jurisdiction in the case noting the allegations were “too serious” for the district court.
At the latest sitting, prosecuting sergeant Christy Browne confirmed that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed the matter be sent forward for trial to Galway Circuit Criminal Court on 27 counts contained in the book of evidence.
Alibi
Judge Faughnan gave notice that if Mr Bowes intends to rely on an alibi in his defence he must inform the prosecution in advance.
The offences were alleged to have occurred on various dates in 2023 and early 2024, at various locations in Co Galway including Peak, Cappataggle; Newgrove, Kilreekil, Ballinasloe; and Corraneena, Kilconnell.
Among the alleged offences was causing unnecessary suffering or endangering the welfare of a weanling in a pen, a Charolais bull, several dehorned weanlings, and a grey mare; and causing neglect or being reckless regarding the health and welfare of a lame weanling.
Other alleged breaches related to the manner in which yearlings, equines and bovines were kept in a shed; disposal of carcases and failure to comply with an Animal Health and Welfare Notice served on 3 November, 2023.
Mr Bowes was remanded on bail to appear at the June sittings of Galway Circuit Court.