Wexford farmer had 250 animal carcasses on his land in the worst case of animal neglect judge had ever seen

By Megan Farrell, Wexford People

A veterinary inspection has been ordered before a case of serious animal welfare breaches on a Gorey farm can be finalised by Judge John Cheatle.

Garda Sergeant Victor Isdell gave evidence at Gorey District Court that gardaí had received calls in relation to animal carcasses on lands in Gorey. At the lands, owned by Larry Butler (55) of Ballyellis, Goery, Wexford, a total of 250 animal carcasses were found, mostly sheep. The carcasses were said to be in varying states of decomposition.

The sergeant informed the court that the living sheep did not have sufficient grass to meet their nutritional needs and were suffering from a highly contagious skin condition known as scab. Scab causes intense itching and wool loss in sheep leading to serious welfare issues.

Butler later made full admissions in interview. He told gardaí he had been involved in a road traffic collision which left him with reduced mobility for a number of weeks and led to financial difficulties. He said he had attempted to arrange for the carcasses to be removed but could not afford the cost, which was said to be €150 per animal.

A letter handed into court by Andrew Bolger BL outlined Butler’s regret and embarrassment. Counsel said there were a number of issues affecting his client’s state of mind at the time and that he deeply regretted “sticking his head in the sand”.

It was submitted that due to his injuries and financial situation, Butler did not have the means to properly care for the animals and now accepts he should have done better.

The court heard that since the incident Butler has engaged with mental health services, attended animal welfare courses and had €2,000 available to donate to an animal welfare charity.

However, Judge Cheatle said he was not satisfied the matter could be finalised at this stage, describing it as the worst animal welfare case he had seen in his lifetime. He adjourned the case to April 15 for a veterinary inspection of the lands before determining sentence.