A 77-year-old man has appeared before Monaghan District Court charged with offences related to cock-fighting.
Patsy Mullen, with an address at Rarutra, Emyvale in Co Monaghan, appeared before Judge Raymond Finnegan this morning.
He is charged with seven offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
The alleged offences all relate to the same date, 27 July 2024, at the same location, Rarutragh, Emyvale, Co Monaghan.
They include organising, causing or permitting a cock-fight, taking part or being present at a cock-fight, keeping an animal for the purpose of an animal fight or performance, and having possession or control of an animal for an animal fight or performance.
Mr Mullen faces a further charge of having spurs, equipment or other appendage, made, used or adapted for use in an animal fight, and two other animal welfare offences, contrary to section 11 and 12 of the Act, respectively.
The case was adjourned until 22 June for the Director of Public Prosecutions to give directions.
An application for free legal aid was also granted.