Farmers fined for animal welfare breaches

FATHER and son farmers Dennis and Andrew Hamill, of Blackstown Road, Crumlin, Co Antrim, were yesterday convicted and fined at Antrim Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to animal welfare charges.

A DAERA vet at an abattoir examined two cattle presented by Dennis Hamill, and found that one was unable to bear weight on its left hind leg, and the other had a large red mass on its right hind foot. Both animals were caused unnecessary suffering.

Andrew Hamill was fined £600, while his father Dennis was fined £250.