A Leicestershire farmer has been fined almost £11,000 in a case where trading standards are said to emphasize the importance of strict cattle movement records and tuberculosis testing.
John Andrew Hawley, who traded as Leicestershire Livestock from Six Hills Farm, near Melton Mowbray, appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on February 4.
He admitted three offenses related to cattle movement reporting and tuberculosis control after prosecutors said repeated failures put animal health and the food chain at risk.
Ms Hawley was fined £3,999 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,600 and prosecution costs of £5,300, bringing the total fine to £10,899.
Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards Office said the case highlighted why cattle traceability and tuberculosis testing are fundamental to disease control and consumer confidence.
“The combination of cattle traceability and rigorous TB testing is critical to protecting both the food chain and the wider agricultural sector,” said Gary Connors, Head of Regulatory Services.
The court heard that Mr Hawley, who had been a farmer for more than 50 years and recently retired from the business, bought cattle from farms and markets across the UK and fattened them before sending them to slaughter.
In 2024, concerns were raised by the Department of Animal and Plant Health after inspections confirmed violations of license conditions.
Trading Standards then began monitoring cattle movement records and found continued non-compliance despite previous advice and formal warning letters.
From January to May 2025, officials found that the vast majority of cattle movements in and out of barns were being reported late to the UK Cattle Movement Authority, or not at all.
In one example, 55 cows sent for slaughter in April 2025 entered the human food chain without being notified of their removal.
In response to questions, Mr Hawley said the cattle were recorded “as soon as possible”.
The case also involved serious violations of tuberculosis control measures. Holly failed to test the entire herd for tuberculosis within the required time frame, resulting in the ranch officially losing its tuberculosis-free status and being placed under movement restrictions.
Despite these restrictions, he illegally moved cattle in and out of his farm before restrictions were lifted.
Subsequent tuberculosis testing could not be completed as seven cows listed in official records could not be accounted for.
A BCMS inspection found no deaths were reported within the mandatory seven days, raising concerns about record-keeping.
Trading Standards said repeated failure to comply with the rules could have far-reaching implications beyond the individual farm.
“Animal health, public health and rural economies are at risk when individuals choose to ignore repeated advice, warnings and legal notices,” Mr Connors said.
Hawley told investigators that injuries, paperwork difficulties and administrative delays contributed to the violations, and said he sends between 3,000 and 4,000 cows to slaughter each year.
Trading Standards said the case was a reminder to farmers and livestock producers that late movement reporting and missed tuberculosis testing deadlines could result in significant fines.
