A GOBOWEN farmer has been sentenced to 100 hours of community service after inspectors found a pile of cattle carcasses and cows that were unable to stand on his property.

Huw Lloyd Ellis, of Pentrewern, was prosecuted by Shropshire Council after an investigation by their Animal Health Team, pleading guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The offences regarded cattle at three farm sites operated by Ellis.

During the investigation conducted by Shropshire Council officers and officers from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), a pile of cattle carcases were found, as well as cows that were unable to stand.

The court heard how he had failed to seek appropriate veterinary care for these animals, thereby causing them to suffer unnecessarily, which is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Ellis appeared at Telford Magistrates Court on June 29, and was sentenced to community service, as well as being ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85.

He was also ordered to pay the full prosecution costs to Shropshire Council.

District Judge Grego concluded that Ellis had committed offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal By-Products (England) (Enforcement) Regulations 2011.

In sentencing, the judge warned Ellis that he considered the nature of the offences to be very serious and consideration was given to imposing a prison sentence and disqualifying him from keeping cattle in the future.

Judge Grego added that if it were not for the mitigation put forward by Ellis’ defence, he may have faced jail.

The judge also noted that despite a demonstration that Ellis was implementing better practices at the farm holdings, there was still need for improvement.

Ellis was warned that Judge Grego had considered imposing a disqualification order against him which would mean a ban on him keeping cattle.

However, given the improvements in running the holdings, such an order was not passed – but Ellis was told that if he were to commit further offences in the future, he would likely face imprisonment.

He was also warned that he would lose his livelihood through being disqualified from keeping cattle.

Karen Collier, Shropshire Council’s Regulatory Services operations manager, said: “This was a very difficult and distressing situation for Animal Health Officers from the Council’s Regulatory Services team to deal with.

“Our officers carry out regular checks to ensure animal welfare legislation is adhered to.

“Anyone found to be in breach of the legislation to protect animals will be investigated and appropriate action taken.”