Farmer pleads guilty to exporting cattle to Northern Ireland without health certificates
Stephen Douglas Rowe, of Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, pleaded guilty at Donegal District Court to 15 sample charges of exporting cattle to Northern Ireland without required health certificates. The offences occurred on or about 18 January 2021 and between 9 and 30 March 2021 from Bridgetown, Laghey, Co Donegal. Initially facing 135 charges, Rowe admitted the 15 counts and the court heard that he had led officers on a wild-goose chase and had not provided traceability documentation for the animals. Judge Éiteáin Cunningham adjourned the case to 24 November for sentencing, saying she wanted full traceability of the cattle.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Convicted23 Sep
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Rowe exported cattle to Northern Ireland without the required health certificates.
- Where
- The cattle were moved from Bridgetown, Laghey, Co Donegal, and Rowe is of Tawnawanny Road, Leggs, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.
- When
- The offences occurred on or about 18 January 2021 (10 counts) and between 9 March and 30 March 2021 (5 counts).
- Charges
- Rowe was initially facing 135 charges and pleaded guilty to 15 sample charges at Donegal District Court.
- Investigation
- Retired DAFM veterinary inspector Kieran Devlin said officers were looking for the animals in Bridgetown and were told they were being tested for TB in Northern Ireland.
- Other details
- Rowe claimed he made an error during the Covid-19 lockdown and brought the animals to his home address for their welfare.
- Rowe led officers on a wild-goose chase and never made contact since.
- Rowe said he collapsed and was brought to hospital when he found out he was being investigated.
- Rowe had no previous convictions and his herd number was suspended.
- DAFM has not received the required traceability documentation for the animals.
- In court
- Judge Éiteáin Cunningham adjourned the case to 24 November for sentencing, saying she wanted full traceability of the cattle.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatRowe led officers on a wild-goose chase and never made contact since (irishtimes.com)
- whatRowe claimed he made an error during the Covid-19 lockdown and brought the animals to his home address for their welfare (irishtimes.com)
- whatRowe said he collapsed and was brought to hospital when he found out he was being investigated (irishtimes.com)
- whatRowe had no previous convictions and his herd number was suspended (irishtimes.com)
- whereRowe is of Tawnawanny Road, Leggs, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh (irishtimes.com)
- investigationRetired DAFM veterinary inspector Kieran Devlin said officers were looking for the animals in Bridgetown and were told they were being tested for TB in Northern Ireland (irishtimes.com)
- chargeRowe was initially facing 135 charges and pleaded guilty to 15 sample charges (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe admitted 10 counts of exporting a bovine to Northern Ireland without required health certificates on or about 18 January 2021 from Bridgetown, Laghey, Co Donegal (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe also admitted five counts of the same offence between 9 March and 30 March 2021 (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Éiteáin Cunningham adjourned the case to 24 November for sentencing (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge said she wanted full traceability of the animals (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 23 Sep2025Farmer led officials on ‘wild-goose chase’ after moving cattle, court hears
First court hearing where Rowe pleaded guilty to 15 sample charges out of 135; case adjourned to 24 November for sentencing pending full traceability of the cattle.
convicted, Stephen Douglas Rowe, male, named, irish (judged from name)Stephen Douglas Rowe