A MAN has appeared in court charged in connection with the alleged discovery of animal “carcasses” on his land in Fanore, writes Ronan Judge.

Ivan O’Driscoll (47), with an address at Fanore More, Fanore, appeared before Ennis District Court this week charged with 10 alleged offences contrary to the Animal and Health and Welfare Act 2013.

Five of the charges are contrary to section 12 of the Act and allege Mr O’Driscoll did neglect or was reckless regarding the health and welfare of animals.

The other five charges are contrary to section 11 of the Act and allege Mr O’Driscoll failed in his duty to protect the welfare of protected animals in his possession.

Two of the charges allege offences were committed on dates between October 1, 2019, and April 2, 2020.

The remaining eight charges concern alleged incidents on April 1, 2020, and April 9, 2020.

All of the charges relate to alleged offences at lands in Derreen West, Fanore.

The charges state that the animals in question were identifiable by either their herd number or tag number.

Garda Michael Haugh of Ennistymon garda station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

Gda Haugh said that in reply to to one of the charges, Mr O’Driscoll said, “I’m not saying that. That’s up to my solicitor.”

The court heard the accused made no reply to the remaining charges.

Sgt Aiden Lonergan told the court that directions had been received from the director of public prosecutions (DPP) and the case is to proceed on indictment to the circuit criminal court.

Sgt Lonergan said bail conditions had been agreed with Mr O’Driscoll’s legal representative.

The accused was remanded on bail to appear again in court on October 13 for service of the book of evidence.