Co Antrim herd keeper jailed for breaching Animal Welfare Ban

A Glenavy man has been sentenced to five months in prison after being found guilty of breaching a court-ordered ban on keeping animals.

James Steele (55), of Gobrana Road, Glenavy, Crumlin, appeared before Lisburn Court where he was handed a five-month custodial sentence and ordered to pay a £25 offender levy for one charge under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirmed that the case arose following the discovery of animals on land known to belong to Mr Steele, despite a previous court order disqualifying him from owning or keeping animals.

During an inspection, DAERA officers found four animals on the property, which were later confirmed to have been recently purchased by Mr Steele, in direct breach of his disqualification order.

A DAERA spokesperson explained:

“A disqualification order is granted upon conviction of serious animal welfare offences. The order disqualifies a person from keeping, owning or being party to any arrangement where animals are owned or kept.”

Mr Steele was convicted of breaching a disqualification imposed by an order under section 33(1) of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, contrary to section 33(9) of the same Act.

The Department reiterated its commitment to animal welfare, stating that it places a high priority on enforcing animal protection laws.

A spokesperson added:

“The Department gives high priority to the welfare of animals and operates a vigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements. Any breaches are investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted as necessary.”

DAERA’s Animal Welfare Service continues to investigate and prosecute individuals who fail to meet their legal obligations under Northern Ireland’s animal welfare legislation.