A district court judge refused jurisdiction in the case of a west of Ireland farmer accused of various animal welfare offences including causing unnecessary suffering to a bovine with an ingrown horn.

Eugene Costello of Coolfree, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon, was before Ballinasloe District Court last week facing 29 charges, involving poor husbandry, overstocking, carcase disposal and tagging issues.

When judge James Faughnan heard a brief outline of some of the allegations – including that one animal had an ingrown horn and a swollen eye – he immediately refused jurisdiction and indicated the matter should be heard in a higher court.

Kieran Madigan, State solicitor for Co Roscommon, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between 20 February 2025, and1 May 2025 at land in Coolfree, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon.

One alleged breach of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 included causing unnecessary suffering to or endangering the health and welfare of a protected animal, a bovine with an ingrown horn and swollen eye, on 20 February 2025.

Alleged offences

Other alleged offences related to “unnecessary suffering” to an untagged calf; failure to supply a sufficient quantity of suitable and wholesome food to horses and bovines; and failure to ensure a number of sheep were unable to stray from the land where they were kept.

The accused also faces charges relating to carcase disposal and tagging issues including an alleged failure to ensure livestock were identified by ear tags.

Judge James Faughnan adjourned the matter to July to allow time for a book of evidence to be served.

Legal aid was granted to the accused who was represented by Gearoid Geraghty.