NORTHERN IRELAND'S animal welfare body, the USPCA, is to go to court to remove hundreds of farm animals discovered in appalling conditions at a premises in Co Down.
Scores of cows and pigs were found in cruel conditions, with 40 already dead, following raids by animal welfare workers at the Katesbridge premises yesterday.
The USPCA is seeking an order to allow the animals to be taken into the care of the authorities.
A spokesman said: "The police are seeking a disposal order granted by a magistrate to dispose of the animals without waiting for a court case, which could take months. It could be a bit of a logistical nightmare, housing 300 pigs, 15 cows and some chickens."
Some of the animals were standing in eight inches of water at the premises at Ballyroney Road.
Inspectors said it was overcrowded, but the livestock is understood to be largely healthy.
They provided emergency food and water to the animals.