A FARMER has been banned from keeping sheep after animals were found on his land in the ‘poorest condition’ ever witnessed by a welfare officer.

William Hyde, 62, of Little Hereford, pleaded guilty to nine animal welfare offences at Hereford Magistrates court on Friday.

Trading Standards Animal Welfare Officers from Herefordshire Council, accompanied by vets from the Animal Plant Health Agency (DEFRA), visited Hyde's North Herefordshire farm in February this year.

During this visit a number of ewes and lambs were found without water, along with sick sheep that had not received medical treatment and a large number of dead sheep.

Subsequent visits revealed no improvements and further welfare issues were also found.

Officers made the decision to seize 218 sheep due to the likelihood of further suffering.

Adrian Roberts, defending, said Hyde had been a farmer all his life, had won countless shows and had acted as a judge in a number of county shows.

“It was probably a good thing the officers visited because it enabled him to recognise he cannot farm the same way he used to and he has to change his ways,” said Mr Roberts.

“He is doing his best to ensure the animals under his care receive appropriate care and treatment.”

There had been no visit from the council since May, he said, although they had been offered the opportunity to return and see the improvement.

“He had taken on too much but has now changed the way he farms significantly,” he added.

Of the offences, two related to unnecessary suffering, three related to failing to provide a suitable environment, two were in relation to the disposal and storage of the dead animals, one was for failing to keep veterinary medicine records and one was for failing to record cattle movements.

Hyde has been ordered to stop keeping sheep by December 15. He will also pay £1,000 in costs and £5,000 in compensation.

Councillor David Harlow, cabinet member economy and corporates services with Herefordshire Council, said: “This is a very serious case of animal suffering and the conditions at this farm were deplorable.

"The council will work with all livestock keepers to ensure best practice on farms but will not tolerate this kind of animal suffering, which may result in a ban from keeping animals."