Wicklow duck farmer charged with failing to comply with animal welfare notice after 700 birds seized
The Wicklow PeopleA Wicklow duck farmer, who had around 700 ducks and thousands of eggs seized from his farm, has appeared in court over an animal welfare notice.
Sean Kent, with an address at Ballyrichard, Co Wicklow, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court charged with failing to comply with the animal health and welfare notice.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) seized around 700 ducks and thousands of eggs from his farm, located at Ballyrichard Duck & Goose Hatchery Co Wicklow, on December 10, 2024.
Salmonella was allegedly detected on his farm. Mr Kent was later served with a notice by the Department.
The notice required him to take certain measures to prevent the spread of salmonella and reduce the risk of any potential outbreaks.
However, he was later charged with failing to comply with an animal health and welfare notice, contrary to Section 42(9) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Solicitor for the defendant, Pauric Hyland, informed the court that the case could be adjourned for six weeks with the consent of the State solicitor, Brian Robinson.
He added that he had received more than 1,000 pages of disclosure.
Geese on Mr Kent’s farm. © Shayne Phelan
Judge Paula Cullinane adjourned the matter until November 11 to fix a date for a hearing.