A Co Tyrone farmer has been banned from keeping animals for life after a court heard of filthy and neglectful conditions on his farm that led to the euthanasia of 29 cattle.

Martin Beattie, of Shantonagh Road in Fivemiletown, was sentenced at Dungannon Magistrates Court on multiple charges under animal welfare, animal by-product and veterinary medicine regulations. He had previously pleaded guilty to 21 offences.

Beattie was fined £2,100 and received a total of seven months in prison, suspended for two years. The suspended custodial terms included five months for causing unnecessary suffering. A lifelong disqualification prevents him from keeping, owning or transporting any animal.

The case stemmed from 26 inspections carried out by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) officials between January 2022 and January 2024. Inspectors found land that was severely poached, housing with dirty bedding and insufficient feed and water. Available feed was contaminated with urine and dung.

A total of 29 animals were humanely destroyed to stop further suffering. Approximately 33 animal carcasses and a number of bones were discovered on the holding.

Beattie was convicted of 13 charges relating to failing to properly store or dispose of animal carcasses, one charge for non-compliance with an enforcement notice, six charges of causing unnecessary suffering, and one charge of failing to produce veterinary medicine records when required.

District Judge Francis Rafferty said the conditions shown in photographs of the farm were disgraceful. He described Beattie as incompetent, noting that the farmer had been given multiple opportunities by DAERA to improve the situation but had ignored expert advice and done the opposite.

The court confirmed that DAERA will assist with the removal of the remaining 66 cattle from the farm.