Couple charged with cruelty to pigs in North Cork

A leading pig producer and his wife were yesterday charged with mistreatment and cruelty to pigs over a five month period at their farm in North Cork two years ago.

Rory and Monica O'Brien of Killicane, Mitchelstown, Co Cork appeared at Fermoy District Court yesterday on 31 summons each relating to the treatment of pigs on their farm.

The couple were charged with failing to ensure the welfare of animals and cruelly permitting unnecessary suffering of an animal on various dates between May and September 2011.

The couple's farm manager, Seamus Curran, of Kiltrislane, Mitchelstown, was also summonsed to appear in court on 24 similar charges over the same time period.

The offences which all three are alleged to have committed are contrary to the European Community Welfare of Animal Regulations and the Welfare of Animal Act.

State Solicitor for North Cork Frank Nyhan said the DPP had directed trial by indictment and he applied for an adjournment to allow for the service of the book evidence against the three accused.

Judge Brian Sheridan granted the application and remanded all three to appear in court again on July 26th for service of the book of evidence.

Defence solicitor, Michelle O’Mahony applied for free legal aid for Mr Curran who had filed a statement of means and Judge Sheridan granted him free legal aid.

Ms O’Mahony also applied for free legal aid for both Mr and Mrs O’Brien but Judge Sheridan said they would have to file statements of means before he would decide on the issue.