Guilty as Charged: Co. Tyrone Farmers Convicted at Magistrates Court

Two farmers from Co. Tyrone have been found guilty of separate charges following cattle identification inspections conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Alan McFarland (61) from Ballagh Road, Clogher, was convicted of one count of failing to notify the movement of cattle off his holding, one count of obstructing a DAERA inspector, and three counts of failing to notify the movement or birth of cattle onto his holding. Additionally, Alan McFarland was found guilty of one count of failing to attach an approved ear tag to an animal, one count of failing to notify the birth of an animal, one count of failing to present veterinary medicine records, and one count of failing to present a herd register. He was fined £2,600 and received a 12-month conditional discharge for the obstruction charge, as well as a £15 offender levy. The case against Alan McFarland arose following a cattle identification inspection carried out by DAERA’s welfare and enforcement branch.

Meanwhile, Robert McFarland (29) of Kell Road, Clogher, was convicted of one count of using an ear tag to identify an animal which had already been used to identify another animal. He was fined £500 plus a £15 offender levy. The case against Robert McFarland arose following a cattle identification inspection carried out by DAERA’s welfare and enforcement branch.

The DAERA has been conducting cattle identification inspections to ensure compliance with regulations. The inspections are aimed at ensuring the traceability of cattle and maintaining the integrity of the food chain. The DAERA has been working closely with farmers to ensure that they understand their responsibilities under the regulations.

The DAERA has stated that it takes non-compliance with regulations seriously and will take action against those who do not comply. The department has encouraged farmers to ensure that they are complying with the regulations and to contact them if they have any questions or concerns. The DAERA has also stated that it will continue to carry out inspections to ensure compliance with the regulations.

The case against Alan McFarland highlights the importance of complying with the regulations and the consequences of failing to do so. The fine and conditional discharge imposed on Alan McFarland should serve as a warning to other farmers that non-compliance with the regulations will not be tolerated. The case against Robert McFarland also highlights the importance of complying with the regulations and the consequences of failing to do so. The fine imposed on Robert McFarland should serve as a warning to other farmers that non-compliance with the regulations will not be tolerated.

The DAERA has urged farmers to ensure that they are complying with the regulations and to contact them if they have any questions or concerns. The department has also stated that it will continue to carry out inspections to ensure compliance with the regulations. The DAERA has also encouraged farmers to work with them to ensure that the traceability of cattle is maintained and the integrity of the food chain is protected.