Articlave man convicted on animal cruelty charges over killing of a hen

By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jul 2023, 16:20 BST
Updated 7th Jul 2023, 16:20 BST
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An Articlave man has been convicted at Coleraine Magistrates Court sitting in Ballymena on July 7 of animal cruelty charges.

Michael Thorpe, 51 of Sconce Road, was convicted of causing avoidable, pain, distress or suffering to an animal (a hen) at the time of killing.

He was also convicted of one charge of engaging in the restraint, stunning or killing of an animal without having the knowledge or skill necessary to perform those operations humanely and efficiently 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.

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Mr Thorpe pleaded guilty and was fined £450 plus £15 offender levy.

The man was convicted at Coleraine Magistrates Court sitting in Ballymena on 7 July of one charge of causing avoidable, pain, distress or suffering to an animal (a hen). Credit NI WorldThe man was convicted at Coleraine Magistrates Court sitting in Ballymena on 7 July of one charge of causing avoidable, pain, distress or suffering to an animal (a hen). Credit NI World
The man was convicted at Coleraine Magistrates Court sitting in Ballymena on 7 July of one charge of causing avoidable, pain, distress or suffering to an animal (a hen). Credit NI World

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs 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 are investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted as necessary.