CONVICTED (2023) | repeat offender Nigel John Foster, born May 1967, of 6 Whiterock Road, Killinchy, Newtownards BT23 6PR – for cruelty to pigs found in appalling conditions. Nigel Foster, who owns a farm in Drumcaw Road, Clough, Downpatrick, admitted 10 charges of causing unnecessary suffering to animals and one charge of failing to dispose of animal carcasses in November 2019. Foster was initially charged alongside wife Josephine Susan Foster, born December 1969 under the name Killinchy Free Range Pork Limited. The court heard that inspectors found approximately 70 animals on the farm. Some were dead, others were “profoundly emaciated” and three were in such bad condition that they had to be euthanised. Some of the live animals were feeding on the carcases of the dead pigs. Many of the pigs had no access to food while others were being fed flour. None of the animals, which were kept in pens, had access to bedding material or dry, lined areas. Leaking pipes meant there was a build-up of water faeces. When Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) inspectors contacted Foster, he claimed the animals were suffering from disease so he couldn’t sell them for fear of it spreading. Foster further claimed to the inspectors that the pigs were under veterinary treatment. Foster was ordered to dispose of the carcasses but they were still there a week later when inspectors returned. The court was told that Foster was suffering from a broken left foot at the time of the latest offences, and told inspectors he had “made alternative arrangements” for the animals’ care. During an earlier hearing the court heard that Nigel Foster was a declared bankrupt and he and his wife were facing having their home repossessed. Imprisoning Foster, Judge Gordon Kerr KC said the offences amounted to a “very bad case” of animal suffering. “The scene, as described, is absolutely appalling. No animals should be kept in this condition and there is no excuse for this type of behaviour,” said the judge, revealing that it was the third time Foster had been in court for animal welfare offences. Sentencing | jailed for seven and a half months with the same period on licence; compensation order for £7,500. Banned from keeping animals for seven years (expires 2030). Belfast Telegraph In December 2006 Nigel Foster received a two-month suspended sentence and was fined £1,400 after he was convicted over cruelty to sows and piglets. He was banned from keeping livestock for two years and received a two-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years. Foster was convicted of permitting unnecessary suffering to a sow and permitting unnecessary pain or distress to five piglets. He was also convicted on three counts of failing to provide access to an adequate water supply, two of failing to provide access to a well-maintained lying area with dry bedding and one count of failing to provide pigs with a wholesome diet. Belfast Telegraph