Farmer sentenced for animal welfare offences

A Devon farmer has been sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work having pleaded guilty to 18 animal welfare offences including failing to dispose properly of dead stock, and failing to keep adequate livestock records.

Mr Darren Facey, 43, of West Down pleaded guilty at Barnstaple Magistrates Court to all offences brought by Devon and Somerset Trading Standards following visits to his farm in June 2013.

Officers found carcase remains of 17 sheep, 28 cattle and 8 chickens in various stage of decomposition, indicating the length of time they had been left.

Two officers from Trading Standards and the Animal Health and Vetinary Laboratories Agency were ‘overwhelmed’ by the quantity and smell of dead animals in such as small space, the Court heard, despite their considerable years of experience in dealing with such matters.

Mr Facey had been previously cautioned for similar offences.

He was also sentenced in regard to failiure in keeping adequate farm records, which by law he should, including records of movements and deaths of animals.

And he admitted failiure to submit a cow for testing for Transmissable Spongiform Encephalopathies, (of which BSE or ‘mad cows’ disease is a form) that affects the brain and nervous systems of animals, within the required time limits.

Mr Facey was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £500 towards the prosecution costs.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Trading Standards service said:

“The case spells out the message that while farming is a vital part of our Devon economy, the welfare of farm animals must always remain of paramount importance.”