By Gordon Deegan
A veterinary surgeon who “compromised the horse industry” here when taking possession of unauthorised animal remedies three years ago, is to appeal his conviction.
At Gort District Court last week, Judge Patrick Durcan made his comment when convicting and fining south Galway vet, Felim Mac Eoin €2,500 for the single count of possessing an unauthorised animal remedy – sarcoid cream – which Mac Eoin used to treat cancerous skin tumours in horses.
A Department of Agriculture inspector found the sarcoid cream in the boot of Mac Eoin’s car outside his Galway Equine Clinic, Kilcolgan on May 8, 2018.
Court appeal
At Gort District Court, Judge Durcan also ordered Mac Eoin – who works exclusively with horses – to pay Department of Agriculture costs of €5,000 in the case.
MacEoin pleaded guilty to the possession charge concerning the sarcoid cream and at Ennis District Court on Wednesday (February 3), solicitor Colm Mac Eoin gave formal notice that the sanction handed down by Judge Durcan is going to be appealed to the circuit court.
In response, Judge Durcan fixed recognisance in the case of Felim Mac Eoin’s own bond of €250.
Lack of cooperation
In court last week, Judge Durcan stated that there was a complete lack of cooperation with the department investigation from Felim Mac Eoin.
Judge Durcan stated that Felim Mac Eoin subsequently withdrew the written allegation.
Judge Durcan stated that there was an inescapable conclusion that there was “a thickness, an obstinance and an approach that was dishonest and that was appalling” from Felim Mac Eoin.
Defence
In court last week, solicitor for Felim Mac Eoin, Colman Sherry asked Judge Durcan not to impose a conviction on his client.
The solicitor stated that Felim Mac Eoin “had a lack of paperwork in his practice. There wasn’t full attention given to it and if there was, we might not be here”.
Colman Sherry stated that married father-of-four, Felim Mac Eoin had a previously unblemished career.
Mr Sherry stated that Mr Mac Eoin had made an early admission of guilt and is extremely remorseful.