Neglect led to disease and death, says judgeA Staffordshire dairy farmer has been handed a suspended jail sentence and banned from keeping animals for 10 years after for ‘prolonged abuse and neglect’ of almost 100 animals.Jennifer Bennett, 30, was handed a 14-week suspended jail sentence, 12 months’ community service, and £1,000 costs when she appeared before magistrates today (Thursday).She was also ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge.Newcastle-under-Lyme magistrates heard that many of the cattle were found to be dead or starving during an inspection by Staffordshire County Council’s animal health team at Brookside View farm in Hodge Lane, Uttoxeter, on March 25 last year. Bennett’s father Alan, who had day-to-day responsibility for the cattle, will also be sentenced at a later date During the visit, officers found multiple cattle in extremely poor condition, including numerous dead animals and other emaciated animals unable to stand. They also found cattle without adequate access to feed or water and calves housed in dirty conditions.Councillor Anthony Screen Nearly 100 cattle were removed from the farm to prevent further suffering. Many received extensive veterinary treatment, however, some in such poor health had to be put down.District Judge Joseph O’Connor told the court: “Jennifer Bennett is the person responsible for the welfare of the animals as the legal owner and there was a significant period of neglect which led to disease and death.”Councillor Anthony Screen, cabinet member for community safety at Staffordshire County Council, said: “This is another incredibly distressing animal welfare case our Trading Standards officers have had to deal with.“The suffering uncovered in this case was significant and required immediate action to protect the animals involved.“We take animal welfare extremely seriously and will not hesitate to pursue robust enforcement action where standards fall below the law.”The investigation also uncovered suspected offences relating to cattle identification and animal by-products legislation.Alan Bennett, who had day-to-day responsibility for the care of the cattle, is due to be sentenced separately at Stafford Crown Court.Continue Reading
Dairy farmer hit with 10-year ban after ‘abuse and neglect’ of almost 100 animals
