Farmer jailed after causing unnecessary suffering to cows

Maurice Rainey from Randalstown, near Antrim, was sentenced at Antrim Court following six charges of causing unnecessary suffering to bovine animals and one charge of failure to hold a carcase that had not been slaughtered for human consumption, in such a manner as to ensure that any animal or bird would not have access to it. 

The 62-year-old farmer was given a 20-month sentence with half to be spent in jail and half under supervised licence conditions.

He was disqualified from keeping, owning, participating in keeping animals, being party to an arrangement under which animals are kept, as well as from transporting and arranging transport of all animals for ten years. 

Warning: This article contains a distressing image of animals

Clear message 

The Northern Ireland Executive said that the case arose following a complaint reporting two carcasses in a field. 

Daera Veterinary Service and Welfare and Enforcement Branch staff carried out multiple inspections between 7th March and 24th April 2024.  

During these inspections, they found animals in need of veterinary attention and multiple carcasses.  

Six animals were euthanised by the Daera veterinary officer present, as in their opinion the animals were suffering unnecessarily. 

Welcoming the court ruling, a Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson said that the sentence “sends out a clear message that those who neglect animals will be pursued by Daera and punished accordingly”.  

“This was a shocking case of animal neglect and animal suffering. It was also a distressing case for the local inspectors, vets and enforcement officers who had to attend the farm, and I commend their professionalism and perseverance,” they concluded. 

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