A Co Tipperary farmer was fined €10,000 (£7,875) at Nenagh District Court yesterday for moving cattle in an area restricted under regulations aimed at preventing brucellosis.
P.J. Brislane (36), of Glenahilty Castle, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, pleaded guilty to eight counts of breaching the Brucellosis in Cattle (General Provisions) Order in July 1999, by moving eight cattle onto his farm which was subject to a restriction notice. He was also ordered to pay €3,934 in witness expenses.
Judge John O'Neill said Brislane had shown utter contempt to his colleagues and to the general well-being of his fellow man.
Mr Brendan Daly, of the Department of Agriculture said the restriction notice was put on Brislane's 260-acre farm on July 19th, 1999.
Brislane apologised and said there had been no financial gain. The eight cattle had left the herd by mistake and he had brought them back because the Department was looking for them.