A JUDGE refused to hear an alleged animal cruelty case after viewing photographs of the animals in question presented by the prosecution when the matter came before Ballinasloe District Court.
The case is being taken on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture against Eugene Costello of Cloonfree, Taughmaconnell, Co Roscommon.
Judge James Faughnan was informed that the prosecution would argue that the kernel of the case was very poor animal husbandry and a lot of overstocking. The issues before the Court were described as “hybrid offences” and included the absence of bovine identification.
Both cruelty to cattle and horses are included in the charges.
Photographs taken of the animals on the defendant’s land were handed in to the Judge for him to view. After doing so he refused jurisdiction in the District Court and ordered that a book of evidence be prepared so the case can be sent on to be heard at the Central Criminal Court.
Matters were adjourned until the July 23 sitting of Ballinasloe Court for this order to be complied with, defending solicitor Gearóid Geraghty was told.
