County Derry man fined after being convicted of causing suffering to a hen

A County Derry man has been fined after being convicted today of charges, including causing avoidable, pain, distress or suffering to a hen.

Michael Thorpe (51), of Sconce Road, Articlave, Coleraine, was convicted at Coleraine Magistrates Court sitting in Ballymena today (Friday) of one charge of causing avoidable, pain, distress or suffering to an animal (a hen) at the time of killing, one charge of engaging in the restraint, stunning or killing of an animal without having the knowledge or skill necessary to perform those operations humanely and efficiently and one charge of failure to hold a carcase that had not been slaughtered for human consumption in such a manner as to ensure that any animal or bird would not have access to it.

Thorpe pleaded guilty and was fined £450 plus £15 offender levy.