Transporter convicted at Dungannon Court
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Graham Gardiner (33), Moneygran Road, Kilrea, Coleraine was today convicted at Dungannon Court of one charge of transporting an animal that was not fit for transport.
Mr Gardiner was found guilty and received a conditional discharge for 12 months.
The case arose when a DAERA Official Veterinarian (OV), at an abattoir, examined an animal presented by Mr Gardiner on the 04/04/2023. The OV found that the animal was very reluctant to move and was lame on the right fore, barely touching it to the ground when moving. In the OV’s professional opinion this animal was caused unnecessary pain and suffering by being transported when it was unable to bear weight fully.
Notes to editors:
- Mr Gardiner was convicted on one charge of, transporting an animal namely a bovine which was not fit for the journey, contrary to Regulations 5(1)(a) of the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 and Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005.
- The Department gives high priority to the welfare of animals and operates a vigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements. Any breaches are investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted as necessary.
- The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (NI) 2006 also requires that animals must be fit to travel and must be cared for if they fall ill or are injured during transport. The animals must be accompanied by competent persons and must be transported to their destinations without undue delay. All those who have animals in their care either on farm, in transit or at slaughter have a duty of care to look after that animals’ welfare.
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