Two farmers disqualified from owning animals in 2024

Two Irish farmers were disqualified from owning sheep and poultry last year after they were found guilty of mistreating their animals.

Figures obtained by the Irish Farmers Journal from the Department of Agriculture also showed that two farmers have been imprisoned for mistreating animals in the last five years.

Since 2021, one person has been barred from owning pigs and another from owning sheep.

In the same timeframe, two people have been disqualified from owning cattle and five can no longer own poultry.

In addition, one person was imprisoned for mistreating cattle while another was imprisoned for mistreating sheep, both in 2021.

Horses, donkeys, goats, ducks, cats, rabbits and dogs are also on the list that farmers have been disqualified from owning over the last five years.

Monitoring

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture said that people disqualified from owning animals are monitored to ensure they can’t own these animals in the future.

“The Department supplies a copy of the court order to the relevant authorities.

“The Department is fully committed to the ongoing promotion and enforcement of high animal welfare standards in accordance with the relevant legal framework.”

A confidential animal welfare helpline is available through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.

This can be done by phone to 01 607 2379 or by email to animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.

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