Thomas Lyons 
A haulier from Co. Down has been convicted of transporting a bovine animal that was not fit for the journey. Kenneth Boyd, 53, of Magherabeg Road, Dromore, Co. Down, pleaded guilty and was convicted of the charge on Monday, May 15th. He was fined £250 plus a £15 offender’s levy and convicted at Newry Magistrates’ Court.
The case arose when one of Northern Ireland’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DAERA) vets examined the animal presented by Boyd at an abattoir. The department said that the bovine was in very poor body condition and was displaying signs of severe lameness. Its back was arched while standing and walking, and several of its joints were swollen. The vet’s professional opinion was that the animal presented by Boyd was unfit to be transported.
Boyd was convicted of one charge of transporting a bovine animal that was not fit for the journey, contrary to Regulations 5 of the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland). DAERA said it gives high priority to the welfare of animals and operates a vigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements. Any breaches, it said, are investigated thoroughly and offenders are prosecuted as necessary.
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 also requires that animals must be fit to travel and must be cared for if they fall ill or are injured during transport. The animals must be accompanied by competent persons and must be transported to their destinations without undue delay. All those who have animals in their care either on the farm, in transit, or at slaughter have a duty of care to look after that animal’s welfare, DAERA said.
DAERA’s Veterinary Service has a team of veterinary officers and veterinary nurses who are responsible for enforcing the regulations. They carry out checks on livestock vehicles, drivers, and animals in transit. They also investigate complaints and take action where necessary.
The conviction of Boyd comes as the UK government has announced plans to ban the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening. The government said the ban, which will be introduced in 2023, will “end this inhumane practice for good”. The ban will cover all animals exported for slaughter and fattening, including calves and sheep.
The announcement has been welcomed by animal welfare groups, who have been campaigning for a ban for many years. The RSPCA said the ban was “long overdue” and called on the government to go further and ban the import of live animals as well.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said it was disappointed by the decision and called for a “balanced approach” that takes into account the needs of farmers and the welfare of animals. The NFU said that the live export of animals was an important part of the UK’s livestock trade and that a ban would have a significant impact on farmers’ incomes.
The ban on live exports is part of a wider package of animal welfare measures being introduced by the UK government. Other measures include the introduction of mandatory CCTV in all slaughterhouses and the banning of the use of electric shock collars on dogs.
In conclusion, the conviction of Boyd for transporting a bovine animal that was not fit for the journey highlights the importance of animal welfare regulations and their enforcement. The UK government’s decision to ban the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening is a significant step forward for animal welfare, but it remains to be seen how it will be implemented and what impact it will have on farmers and the livestock trade.
