A Co Armagh farmer has received a suspended prison sentence and a ban on keeping animals after causing unnecessary suffering to cows.
Michael Maguire (38), of Carrive Crescent in Cloughoge, was sentenced at Newry Magistrates Court on Monday after previously being convicted of causing suffering to the eight animals on March 20.
Inspectors from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) spotted tuberculosis testing sites on the animals' necks "were largely not typical tuberculosis reactions".
The animals were initially inspected at a slaughter plant, and following a post-mortem examination, a veterinary pathologist determined the test sites were interfered with to cause the "atypical reactions".
A senior DAERA vet found the deliberate interference with the animals’ skin caused inflammation and unnecessary and prolonged suffering.
Mr Maguire was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for two years, and was fined £3,000.
He was also ordered to pay back £5,000 compensation to DAERA and was disqualified from keeping, owning, transporting and arranging transport of farm animals for two years.
