Sheep Skeletons and an Injured Ram Led to a Smallholders Disqualification
John Charles (d.o.b 07/02/1949) of Norton Lane Tidbury Green, a small holder farming at Preston Fields near Henley in Arden has been disqualified from keeping any farm animals following a successful prosecution taken by Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service.
Trading Standards Animal Health Officers visited Mr Charles’s smallholding, on which he kept approximately 120 sheep in March 2009 following a complaint. He had previously received a number of visits stretching back many years from Officers to advise him on animal husbandry, worming and the disposal of fallen stock.
The Officers who visited the site found that the farmer had failed to dispose of 14 sheep carcases, six sheep skeletons and a bag of bones without undue delay and had allowed access to them by animals.
Carcases that are not properly disposed of have a potential to cause vermin and pest infestation and increase the risk of disease outbreaks, both airborne and waterborne, to the surrounding area.
A young ram was also found injured in a holding pen. Its front legs were bent at the knees and it was unable to walk properly. It was also very thin and had what appeared to be a pressure sore. Officers judged that the injury to its front legs must have existed for some time and required veterinary treatment.
Mr Charles was advised to have the animal euthanized or to call out his own vet to the animal but he failed to do so.
Mr Charles had failed to take steps to ensure that the needs of the ram were met.
At Nuneaton Magistrates Court in March 2010, Mr Charles pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal By Products Regulations 2005 in respect to the failure to dispose of the sheep carcases, skeletons and bones bag.
However, he pleaded not guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in respect of the young ram.
He was found guilty and disqualified from keeping any farm animals and ordered to pay Prosecution costs of £1500. At this point Mr Charles lodged an appeal against the Animal Welfare offence conviction and was able to continue to keep livestock until the appeal was heard.
At Warwick Crown Court on 15th December 2010 Mr Charles’ conviction and disqualification were upheld. Mr Charles cannot now keep livestock for a period of five years at which time he can apply for termination of the disqualification.
Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection said:
“Trading Standards Animal Health Officers work closely with farmers and smallholders, often over many years, to help ensure that their livestock is properly cared for and that the risk of disease is reduced.
However, when farmers fail to heed the advice and information we give them and do not take their responsibilities seriously, legal action may be necessary.”
Mr Charles was also ordered to pay prosecution costs in relation to the appeal totalling £1382.
1) Richard Dewsbury represented Warwickshire County Council
2) Mr Charles represented himself.
3) Mr Charles was convicted of two offences under the Animal By Products Regulations 2005 and one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Mr Charles was convicted of two offences under the Animal By Products Regulations 2005 and one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.