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Farmer let five calves die due to lack of water

October 11th, 2019 12:04 PM

By Southern Star Team

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A West Cork farmer who allowed five calves die for want of water was fined €5,000 at Skibbereen District Court recently

A WEST Cork farmer who allowed five calves die for want of water was fined €5,000 at Skibbereen District Court recently.

Evidence in the case was heard at a previous court but the matter was adjourned for the payment of five €1,000 fines. 

The first fine was imposed in respect of the untagged calves that veterinary inspectors found unburied on the lands farmed by Michael Crowley of Hawthorn, Drimoleague on May 2nd 2018.

The second €1,000 fine was imposed for a second offence committed on May 2nd of not providing drinking water for 16 animals on the farm. The remaining three charges were issued in respect of offences that were committed on May 4th. 

Michael Crowley was fined for allowing five carcases to remain unburied in one area; nine in another; and 24 more in a different part of the farm.

Previously, Judge James McNulty said the act of allowing animals to die for want of water was ‘close to unforgiveable.’ But solicitor defending, Flor Murphy, said his client was full of remorse for what had unfolded at Hawthorn, Caheragh and Kilsonagh in Drimoleague, saying: ‘He had been trying to do the work of two men.’

Mr Murphy said his client initially had 80 acres and 80 cows but expanded his operation too much when the quotas were removed.

He said his client was pleading guilty to charges of neglect; failing to provide water; and failing to safeguard and protect his livestock. 

He said Crowley is no longer leasing outside farms.

The solicitor also made the point that the livestock numbers on the farm have been dramatically reduced and that it was with the help of his friends and neighbours that he was able to restore order.

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