Nigel Conway from Sixmilecross, Co Tyrone was convicted of five charges of failing to dispose of animal carcases, one charge of failing to notify the movement of cattle on to his holding, one charge of using eartags to identify an animal which had already been used to identify another animal, and one charge of failing to comply with a movement notice.

He was also convicted of five charges of causing unnecessary suffering to sheep and a cow, and three charges of failing to ensure the needs of animals were met to the extent required by good practice at Omagh Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

It is regarded as good practice to remove without delay an animal carcase from a farm to prevent spread of disease and protect public health and the environment.

Disqualified from keeping animals

Conway had previously pleaded guilty and was fined £1,000 on one charge of failing to dispose of carcases and received a conditional discharge for two years on the remaining 15 charges.

He was also disqualified from keeping all animals for six months. A deprivation order was granted and he has four weeks to depopulate his herd and flock.

The case arose from an anonymous complaint to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland.