Farmer sentenced at Antrim Court

Maurice Rainey (62), Church Road, Randalstown, Antrim was sentenced at Antrim Court on the 20 September 2024 of six charges of causing unnecessary suffering to bovine animals and one charge of failure to hold a carcase, that had not been slaughtered for human consumption, in such a manner as to ensure that any animal or bird would not have access to it.

Mr Rainey received a custodial sentence for ten months, ten months on license and was disqualified from keeping, owning, participating in keeping animals, being party to an arrangement under which animals are kept, from transporting and arranging transport of all animals for ten years.

The case arose, following a complaint reporting two carcasses in a field at the junction of Church Road and Clonkeen Road. DAERA Veterinary Service staff and Welfare and Enforcement Branch staff carried out multiple inspections between the 7 March 2024 and 24 April 2024. During these inspections they found animals in need of veterinary attention and multiple carcasses. Six animals were euthanised by the DAERA veterinary officer present, as in their opinion the animals were suffering unnecessarily.

Welcoming the Court ruling a Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Spokesperson said: "Today’s sentence sends out a clear message that those who neglect animals will be pursued by DAERA and punished accordingly. This was a shocking case of animal neglect and animal suffering. It was also a distressing case for the local inspectors, vets and enforcement officers who had to attend the farm and I commend their professionalism and perseverance.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Mr Rainey was convicted of six charges of, by reason of an act or failure to act he caused unnecessary suffering to a cow and he knew or ought reasonably to have known, that the said act or failure to act would have that effect or was likely to do so, contrary to Section (4) of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.
2. Mr Rainey was convicted of one charge of, failure to comply with an animal by-product requirement in that he failed to hold bodies or parts of bodies of farmed animals which had not been slaughtered or human consumption, pending consignment or disposal, in accordance with the EU Control Regulation as read with the EU Implementing Regulation, in such a manner as to ensure that any animal or bird would not have access to it or them, contrary to Regulation 19 of the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015.
3. 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.
4. It would be good practice (as well as being a legal requirement), to remove without delay an animal carcase from a farm to prevent spread of disease and protect public health and avoid detrimental effects on the environment.
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6. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
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