Two Ceredigion brothers have been fined and banned from keeping livestock for five years after 58 bovine carcasses were found on their farm.
A sentencing hearing was held on February 14 at Aberystwyth Magistrates Court to consider the guilty pleas submitted by David Davies, and Evan Meirion Davies of Penffynnon Farm, Bangor Teifi.
Both brothers had pleaded guilty to 13 charges brought by Ceredigion County Council under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The prosecution follows a visit by Animal Health Officers and Animal and Plant Health Agency vet to the farm in April 2018.
Officers found 58 cattle carcasses in various states of decay in the cattle sheds and surrounding fields. The remaining cattle were housed in terrible conditions, with no food, water or dry lying area.
The vet confirmed that the cattle were being caused unnecessary suffering, and also formed the opinion that the dead cattle had also succumbed to the “horrendous conditions” found in the sheds, and died of neglect.
The vet had to euthanize two cattle to stop further suffering during visits to the premises. This was the worst case of animal welfare neglect seen to date by the Animal Health team of Ceredigion County Council.
The Cabinet member responsible for Public Protection, Councillor Gareth Lloyd said: “This was a truly shocking case of neglect that caused terrible suffering to so many animals. We will not hesitate to act decisively whenever we need to protect animal welfare.”
“This was an extreme case, and in no way reflects on the dedication of the overwhelming majority of Ceredigion farmers in maintaining the highest standards of care for their animals.”
Sentencing
In sentencing, the Magistrates acknowledged the evidence of horrendous suffering, inadequate care and poor animal husbandry displayed by both defendants to the animals.
They were sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months, and disqualified from keeping any animals of any description for five years.
The brothers were allowed 28 days in which to make the necessary arrangements. They were ordered to pay costs to the council of £1,500 each.
