Mark and Anthony Girvan, a father and son from Limehill Road, Pomeroy, Co Tyrone, were convicted of 10 charges at Dungannon Magistrates Court on 1 October.

The charges related to TB fraud, animal welfare and cattle identification issues.

Mark Girvan (47), received a 12 month custodial sentence, suspended for two years and was fined £200 and an additional £15 offender's levy. In addition, he was disqualified from keeping farm animals for 10 years.

He was charged with:

  • One charge of dishonestly making a false representation at a TB test for 14 cattle.
  • Two charges of attempted to affect the results of a TB test.
  • One charge of causing unnecessary suffering to 14 cattle.
  • One charge of failing to present animals for TB testing .
  • Two charges of failing to notify the department of bovine animals.
  • The investigation, carried out by officers from DAERA’s welfare and enforcement branch, also found his son Anthony Girvan was guilty of a number of crimes.

    These included:

  • One charge of failing to present animals for TB testing.
  • Two charges of failing to notify the Department of the births of bovine animals.
  • He was fined £450 and a £15 offender's levy.

    DAERA said they were particularly concerned by the case as, “current disease levels have risen to levels not seen for several years and therefore especially at this time it is vital all stakeholders work together to reduce the prevalence”.

    Last year, the cost of TB reactor compensation payments to farmers in NI was estimated at £24.6m.

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