West Cork farmer facing multiple animal cruelty charges

Defendant to be sent forward for trial to the circuit court for what the judge said were very serious charges

Farmer faces 11 animal cruelty charges in relation to cattle on his farm. File picture

A West Cork farmer who is facing multiple animal cruelty charges in relation to cattle on his farm near Skibbereen will be sent forward for trial in the circuit court.

Donal Bohane, aged 56, of Gortnamucklagh, Skibbereen, Co Cork, appeared before Judge Joanne Carroll at Skibbereen District Court. Sergeant Tom Mulcahy said Bohane faced a total of 11 charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act.

Sgt Mulcahy said instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had been received and the DPP had directed Bohane be sent forward for a trial on indictment to the circuit court. 

The court was told a book of evidence was currently being prepared and it was expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Sgt Mulcahy said it was the State’s application to remand Bohane on bail so the book of evidence could be completed and served on the accused. 

Judge Joanne Carroll said the charges were very serious and she remanded Bohane on continuing bail to appear again on March 10 for service of the book of evidence.

Bohane faces 11 charges relating to offences that are alleged to have occurred on four separate dates in November and December 2020, contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme