Limerick farmer charged over calf deaths following two-year investigation
Defendant, Seamus Looby, faces more than 350 charges
A FARMER who faces more than 350 charges relating to the discovery of a large number of dead calves on lands he owns in County Limerick is facing prosecution before the circuit court.
At Kilmallock Court this Tuesday, Judge Patricia Harney was told Seamus Looby faces a total of 352 charges and that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment.
All of the offences are alleged to have occurred at farmlands at Raheen, Garryspillane on dates between March 8, 2022 and September 8, 2022.
The criminal proceedings have been initiated following a major investigation which was launched by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the discovery of the animals in September 2022.
During a procedural hearing, State Solicitor Brendan Gill said the DPP has indicated that she would consent to the matter being dealt with on the basis of a signed plea of guilty, if that were to arise.
Barrister Suzanne Gorey, instructed by solicitor Michael Devlin, told the court that her client, aged in his 60s, was not present in court and she submitted a medical certificate to Judge Harney.
No evidence relating to the alleged offences or the number of dead animals was heard in court during this Tuesday's hearing.
Seeking an adjournment, Mr Gill indicated he is in a position to disclose any relevant documentation to allow Mr Looby to “consider his position” before any further order is made by the court.
He also indicated it is the intention of the State to withdraw 35 of the summons on the basis that evidence relating to 20 sample charges will be heard by the court.
Mr Gorey accepted this and the matter was adjourned to November 19, next.
Mr Gill said legal aid was a matter for the court but he noted there are a “considerable number of charges” and that they involved “serious matters”.
In the case, Seamus Looby faces 140 charges of breaching his duty to protect animal welfare under the provisions of section 11 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013; 72 charges of contravening the prohibition on animal cruelty under section 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013; 84 charges of failing to comply with an animal health and welfare notice under section 42 (9) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and 56 charges of breaching the European Union (Animal By-Products) Regulations 2014.