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An Antrim farmer has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to cows.

Maurice Rainey (62), of Randalstown, had breached animal welfare legislation following an investigation on farm earlier this year, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said.

The Government agency had received a complaint about two bovine animal carcasses at Mr Rainey's farm near the junction of Church Road and Clonkeen Road.

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Following further inspections between March and April, officers had found 'multiple' carcasses alongside animals which were in need of veterinary attention.

Six animals were euthanised by a Daera veterinary officer during one of the inspections.

The veterinary officers said the animals had suffered unnecessarily.

At Antrim Court on September 20, Mr Rainey was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to bovine animals and one charge of failure to hold a carcase, which 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 Northern Irish farmer has been disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years and he will also serve a custodial sentence of 10 months.

After the case, a Daera spokesperson said: "This 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."

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