A FARMER who neglected his animals has been ordered to lodge €10,000 with the court as a guarantee that he will improve his farming facilities.
Anthony Donohue (66), Kilcogy, Co Cavan, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure there was no suffering to 55 ewes and lambs at Coolnagun, Lismacaffrey, in April last year. He was also charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a lamb and a mare and to cattle, and with failing to dispose of carcases on the land he has rented there. Judge Séamus Hughes expressed concern that Donohue did not appear to have an insight into the neglect, and that the pensioner felt he had been looking after his animals well.
Judge Hughes ordered him to lodge €10,000 with the court before next Thursday as security.
The case will then be adjourned for the Department of Agriculture to finalise a plan for Donohue, and the case will be further adjourned to see that he carries out the department’s instructions.