Farmer Darren Matthews was found guilty of six different charges relating to bovines on his farm at Caerphilly Magistrates Court earlier this week.
On 30 November 2009, Matthews pleaded guilty to the charges, brought under the Cattle Identification (Wales) Regulations 2007 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Matthews was investigated and prosecuted by Newport City Council Trading Standards for causing a bovine unnecessary suffering, and failing to adhere to procedures regarding the identification of cattle.
In April 2008, the farmer was investigated for an alleged animal welfare issue on a farm in Llanwern, Newport, this led to the discovery of six bovines in an adjacent field, and one bovine carcass.
The ear tag numbers were traced through the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) and were identified as belonging to Matthews.
Owners of livestock have to keep records of all animals, and for bovines, passports. The investigation by Trading Standards found he failed to keep up-to-date records on livestock movement and retain passports. He also failed to notify the authorities of the death of a bovine.
In June 2009, bovines from Matthews’s farm strayed into the road and resulted in the unnecessary suffering of an animal after it became stuck in a ditch and the assistance of South Wales Fire and Rescue was required.
As a result, Newport City Council seized the bovines and after magistrates at Abergavenny Magistrates Court granted the necessary order, the bovines were destroyed.
The council’s spokesperson said: “This case shows that the council is serious about preventing unnecessary suffering being caused to livestock and in ensuring that the integrity of the food chain is maintained. Animal welfare legislation ensures that animals do not endure unnecessary suffering, pain and distress. Farmers should not neglect their responsibilities; good animal husbandry is required at all times.”
Matthews pleaded guilty and was ordered to carry out 270 hours of unpaid work, and pay costs of £3,000. In addition, he was disqualified from keeping cattle for 20 years.
