Neglect of Sheep

MORE than 20 sheep were found dead on a Laugharne farm and others found in a poor condition, Carmarthen magistrates have been told.

An Animal Health Officer from Carmarthenshire County Council along with a Veterinary Officer from Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency visited Honey Corse Farm, Broadway, Laugharne, in September 2011 following a complaint regarding the condition of sheep there.

They found about 25 sheep carcasses in various states of decomposition. Several of the live sheep were in poor condition and found to be infested with maggots and one was in such a poor condition it was humanely destroyed at the time to prevent any further suffering. The remaining sheep were treated and improved and later sold.

Robert Glen Davies, of Woodlands Close, Llanmiloe, Pendine, the owner of the sheep at Honey Corse Farm, appeared before Carmarthen Magistrates Court for sentence after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to nine offences under Section 4 and 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 relating to neglect of animals in his care.

He also pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal By Products Regulations 2011 for failing to ensure the carcasses were not held in a secure way preventing any animal or bird having access to them.

Davies was banned from owning, keeping, transporting sheep and being involved with sheep in any way for a period of three years. He was also sentenced to an 18 month Community Order with 18 months supervision, 220 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £600.