A FERMANAGH man charged after a major PSNI swoop into animal cruelty in the Derrylin area is to stand trial after pleading not guilty to all allegations before him.

Jason Lee Kennedy (35), from Marble Arch Road, Enniskillen, is alleged to have caused suffering to badgers and cats through baiting and fighting which he recorded and supplied to others.

He appeared at Dungannon Crown Court facing 18 charges in total, involving six counts each of causing unnecessary suffering to animals, causing or attempting to cause an animal fight, and being present at an animal fight.

Offending is alleged to have occurred on both June 28 and July 4, 2022.

The causing of unnecessary suffering relates to badgers and cats.

The charges state he intentionally killed a badger, and the counts of intentionally injuring also relates to badgers.

Finally, he was alleged to have been in possession of three live badgers, and one dead.

Prosecution counsel informed the court that video footage of the alleged cruelty is “understood to be quite distressing”, and a statement is to be compiled setting out the content.

Judge Fiona Bagnall remanded Kennedy on continuing bail to return to court on Wednesday, March 6. 

She also ordered him to sign with police four times per week and banned possession of any animal or attendance at any hunting-related activities.