Wicklow farmer banned from animals for life after rotting carcasses found on his land

"Garda Damien Prendergast, from Dunlavin Garda Station, told the court that in March 2023, while driving through Dunlavin, he saw several sheep wandering on the road. He returned the animals to Mr Mooney's land, where he observed dead livestock, animal carcasses and a strong smell of decay. He said he returned later the same day with other gardaí to inspect the scene. On their return, they took photographs which were shown in court. These depicted several dead and decomposing cows, lambs and sheep."

"A video taken on the day was also played in court. It showed carcasses in black bin liners and a water system that was not correctly plumbed. The animals were housed in two large hay sheds. James Kelly SC, counsel for the prosecution, asked Gda Prendergast how he was so knowledgeable about the evidence he was giving. Gda Prendergast explained that he had worked in agriculture before joining An Garda Síochána. The court heard that Mr Mooney was leasing the land, but that some of the animals were under his brother's herd number. Both men were questioned. "On paper they belong to my brother, but I'm really in control," Michael Mooney told gardaí. Gda Prendergast told the court that some of the carcasses had become mummified due to the heat after being placed in black bags. He described Mr Mooney as "extremely cooperative and not a bad fella", adding, "I think he worked too hard and had stretched himself too much.""

Michael Mooney (42) of Logstown, Valleymount, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to three counts under Section 12(1)(a) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 for unnecessary suffering to farm animals dated March 20, 2023. Garda Damien Prendergast observed sheep wandering on a road in Dunlavin and returned them to Mooney's land, where he found dead livestock, animal carcasses and a strong smell of decay. Gardaí photographed dead and decomposing cows, lambs and sheep and played a video showing carcasses in black bin liners and a poorly plumbed water system in two large hay sheds. Some animals were registered under Mr Mooney's brother's herd number while Mooney stated he was in control. The Department of Agriculture inspected other properties linked to Mr Mooney across Wicklow and Kildare.

Read at Irish Independent