Ballybofey farmer to stand trial on animal cruelty and welfare charges

A Ballybofey farmer faces a trial on a raft of animal cruelty and welfare charges.

Neil Doherty has been sent forward to Letterkenny Circuit Court.

A book of evidence was served on the 64-year-old of Sessiaghoneill, Ballybofey when he appeared at Monday’s sitting of Letterkenny District Court. Garda Pauline Doherty gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on the accused at 10.40am at Letterkenny courthouse.

Four of the 49 charges against Doherty have been struck out.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has consented for Doherty to be forwarded to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court, which commences on January 23, 2024.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham made an order returning Doherty for trial and made a section 56 order relating to tapes of interviews. Judge Cunningham also administered the alibi warning on Doherty, who is represented by solicitor Mr Rory O’Brien.

Among the charges are that on January 7th, 2022 at Mullandrait, Stranorlar, being a person who had protected animals in his possession, failed to have regard top the animal's nature, type, species, breed, development, adaptation, domestication, psychological and behavioural needs and environment, and in accordance with established experience and scientific knowledge, failed to take all the necessary steps to ensure that the animals (mainly sheep) was kept and treated in a manner that safeguards the health and welfare of the animal.

On the same date at Sessiaghoneill, Ballybofey he is charged that he did fail to remove animal carcasses or part of the carcass of an animal from lands under his control to which a dog may have access.