Northern Ireland Executive : County Antrim farmer convicted of 27 charges (external link opens in a new window / tab)

A Lisburn farmer was today convicted of 27 charges concerning the registration and movement of cattle and the inappropriate disposal of bovine carcases.

Trevor Sinclair, Montgomery Drive, Lisburn, was convicted at Lisburn Magistrates' Court of 10 charges of failure to notify the movement of 10 bovine animals off his holding, 11 charges of failure to notify the deaths of 11 bovine animals, five charges of failure to notify the births of five bovine animals and one charge of failure to dispose of 11 bovine carcasses.

He pleaded guilty and was fined £560 plus a £15 offender levy.

This case arose from discrepancies found at a Cattle Identification Inspection of Mr Sinclair's herd carried out by Veterinary Service Enforcement Branch.

1. Mr Sinclair was convicted of 10 charges of, failure to notify the Department of the movement of 10 bovine animals off his holding in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 7 of the Cattle Identification (Notification of Births, Deaths and Movements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 contrary to Regulation 5(1) of the Cattle Identification (Notification of Births, Deaths and Movements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999.
2. Mr Sinclair was convicted of 11 charges of, being the keeper of bovine animals, failed to notify the Department of the death of 11 bovine animals in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 8 of the Cattle Identification (Notification of Births, Deaths and Movements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 contrary to Regulation 5(1) of the Cattle Identification (Notification of Births, Deaths and Movements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999.
3. Mr Sinclair was convicted of five charges of, being the keeper of bovine animals, failed to notify the Department of the birth of five bovine animals in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 6 of the Cattle Identification (Notification of Births, Deaths and Movements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 contrary to Regulation 5(1) of the Cattle Identification (Notification of Births, Deaths and Movements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999.
4. Mr Sinclair was convicted of one charge of, being a person to whom an animal by-product requirement applied, in contravention of Regulation 6 of the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011, failed to hold carcases or parts of carcases of 11 farmed bovine animals that had not been slaughtered for human consumption, pending consignment or disposal, in accordance with the EU Control Regulations as read with the EU Implementing Regulations, in such a manner as to ensure that any animal or bird would not have access to them contrary to Regulation 17 of the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011.
5. Breaches of the Cattle Identification Regulations weaken and undermine the cattle traceability system in Northern Ireland, including the integrity of the Department's Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS). The current interest in food safety by both Government and consumer groups means it is essential that the Department is clearly seen to be implementing all legislation pertaining to the traceability of livestock.
6. Cattle movements, notified to the Department, are recorded on to the APHIS database. The provision, within statutory limits or upon request, of complete and timely information concerning cattle in the herd, to the Department is fundamental to the credibility and integrity of the Department's Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS).
7. It would be regarded as good practice to remove without delay an animal carcase from a farm to prevent spread of disease and protect public health and avoid detrimental effects to the environment.
8. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office: [e-mail]. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.

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