FARMER FOR TRIAL IN ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

A NORTH Kerry farmer has been sent forward for trial on over 80 counts of alleged animal cruelty.

38-year-old Thomas Doyle with an address at Fourhane, Listowel appeared before last week’s sitting of Listowel District Court where he was served with a book of evidence.

Mr Doyle is charged with 89 counts under animal cruelty legislation including causing or permitting animals unnecessary suffering and with failing to provide animals with sufficient water.

The animals involved in the charges include dogs; cockerels; pigs and piglets; ponies; goats; a canary, a hamster and a rat.

All the alleged incidents of cruelty are alleged to have taken place Fourhane, Listowel on dates between December 23 2015 and December 30 2015.

The case was sent forward to the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee after Judge James O’Connor declined jurisdiction when the case came before him at a previous district court sitting in Listowel last June.

The book of evidence was subsequently prepared and it was served on Mr Doyle last week.

The book contains details of 88 charges against Mr Doyle.

The court heard An additional charge has since been filed against him and Judge O’Connor ruled that details of this charge – which also relates to animal cruelty and is linked to the other charges – can be added to the book of evidence.

Legal aid was granted to Mr Doyle and he was released on bail to appear again before the Circuit Criminal Courts.

His case is expected to be listed for mention at the next sittings of Tralee Circuit Criminal Court which are due to commence in mid February 2017.