Fleming welcomes moves to combat animal cruelty

Moves to combat animal cruelty through penalties in the Single Farm Payment system, have been welcomed by a Derry councillor.

Sinn Fein’s Paul Fleming said the vast majority of farmers here and those involved in the agriculture sector operated the “highest standards” of animal welfare but “unfortunately” there were too many cases of animal cruelty.

Cllr Fleming, the leader of the Sinn Fein grouping on Derry City and Strabane District Council, added: "When my party colleague Michelle O'Neill was Agriculture Minister she introduced penalties in the Single Farm Payment System for anyone convicted to animal cruelty.

"In response to a question tabled by Oliver McMullan to the DAERA minister, we learned that more than £120,000 has been deducted in penalties as a result of animal cruelty convictions.”

Cllr Fleming concluded: "These penalties are welcome as it serves as a punishment and deterrent for those convicted of animal cruelty which will hopefully help stamp it out in the future.”