This article is from page 17 of the 2013-10-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
A WEST Clare farmer facing animal cruelty charges has been ordered to remove electric fences from his land and provide adequate feed to cattle after the Department of Agriculture expressed concern for the animals’ welfare.
Patrick Shannon (59) was ordered to comply with all directions of the Department of Agriculture after details of a recent inspection of his farm at Carnaculla, Kilrush were heard at Ennis District Court on Tuesday.
Supt Seamus Nolan of Kilrush Garda Station said while he did not want to prejudice the case against the accused, the court should hear from the Department as gardaí had ongoing concerns.
Veterinary Inspector Vincent Lambert told the court he found cattle confined behind electric fences on bare ground with no supplementary feed, when he visited the farm on Friday, October 18.
Mr Lambert said some cattle were on their knees trying to eat grass outside the fence.
The court heard in some cases the animals’ water trough was left outside the electric fence.
Mr Shannon, with an address at Carnaculla, Kilrush, has between 75 and 77 bovine dry and dairy stock, the court heard.
Mr Lambert said the Department had concerns for the animal’s welfare.
He requested Mr Shannon provide his stock with continuous access to food, water and shelter.
He said the Department was also seeking the removal of all electric fences from the land.
Solicitor for Mr Shannon, John Casey, said these terms were acceptable to his client.
Judge Patrick Durcan granted liberty to the Department of Agriculture liberty to inspect the farm at 24 hours notice.
“I want these fences removed today”, added Judge Durcan. Mr Shannon told the court he would remove the fences.
Judge Durcan told Supt Seamus Nolan the charges could be re-entered in any court on any day of the week, if the directions are not complied with.
Mr Shannon appeared in court charged with cruelly, ill-treating animals by failing to provide adequate feed, water and shelter to bovines on his lands and farmyard at Carnaculla, Kilrush on three dates – November 1 (2012); November 2 (2012) and December 11 (2012).
The alleged offences are contrary to the Protection of Animals Act as amended.
Judge Patrick Durcan said while he totally abhors cruelty to animals, Mr Shannon remains an innocent man.
The case was adjourned to November 12 to Kilrush District Court.