A sheep farmer in Mayo has been charged with cruelty to his flock after 35 animals were allegedly found dead on the land he was renting.
Martin Walsh (44) of Ballintleva, Clogher, Westport was charged with a total of 35 counts of being in breach of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, following the discovery of the animals in March of last year.
The sheep were located at Shammerbaun, Kilkelly, Co Mayo and on March 16, 2018, gardaí received a report of animals being neglected on the land.
Mr Patrick Reynolds, counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions told a sitting of Castlebar District Court on Tuesday that when Garda Ferghal O’Caheny visited the land he noted a number of dead sheep.
A solicitor for Mr Walsh said his client was pleading not guilty to the offences and would be seeking a hearing date.
Judge Fiona Lydon adjourned the case until May 7 for mention to fix a date for hearing.
An application for legal aid on behalf of Mr Walsh was deferred to a later date.
