Animal cruelty find poses serious questions for authorities
04 April 2008
Jim Allister QC MEP has said tough questions will be asked of the authorities with the latest discovery of animal cruelty, at a farm at Katesbridge.
The MEP said,
“The recent revelation of animal cruelty at a farm at Katesbridge is extremely disturbing. Moreover, I am alarmed as to how 300 farm animals can be in the possession of individuals who, it is alleged were already banned from keeping livestock as a result of previous convictions for animal cruelty.”
“It is ironic, that at a time when most farmers have witnessed an increased number of animal welfare inspections under cross-compliance, a repeat offender well known to the authorities has gone unnoticed for so long. Obviously, questions need to be asked of DARD about the manner in which farms are prioritised for inspection. Indeed, the public will want assurances that any bans on individuals from keeping livestock will be properly enforced in the future. Lessons must be learned to avoid this very sad state of affairs from happening again.”
ENDS
