A pig farmer has been fined over €15,000, given a five month suspended sentence and ordered to pay €35,000 in costs after being convicted of 28 offences relating to the use of a prohibited animal remedy.
Thomas Galvin (51) of Ballinamuck, Dungarvan, Co Waterford had contested the charge brought by the Department of Agriculture and Food following an inspection of his farm at Ballyharrahan, Dungarvan by the Department's Special Investigation Unit on April 22nd, 2002.
Investigators found 12-and-half bags of growth promoter Carbadox during the search. The product is a treatment for dysentary in pigs and can be used to maintain weight gain in livestock. However, it was banned by the European Commission in 1998 after it was found to cause cancer in laboratory animals.
Traces of Carbadox were also found in the carcass of a pig on the farm.
Mr Galvin was also charged with obstructing a department official in the course of his duties and the improper disposal of animals.
Judge William Hammill fined Mr Galvin €850 on each of 17 charges and a further €750 on another charge.
The suspended jail sentence was imposed for selling animals from his farm contrary to a restriction order, while Mr Galvin was ordered to pay €5,000 towards the disposal costs of animals, €12,000 in investigation costs and €18,750 in legal costs.