Farmer to deny animal-cruelty charges

A farmer charged with 23 counts relating to alleged animal cruelty at his farm in Cork two years ago yesterday indicated he would be denying the charges.

Michael Holland, aged 52, of Courtbrack, Blarney, appeared before Judge Olann Kelleher at Cork District Court where it had been put back to see if the accused was pleading guilty or not guilty.

Donal Daly, defending, said there would be a plea of not guilty to the charges.