Shropshire farmers banned animals for five years and did not test cows with TB after a series of serious welfare violations.
Inspectors at the Shropshire Council found that the conditions of the Whixhall Farm run by Stuart Furber were far below acceptable welfare standards.
Livestock were able to discard metals and other dangerous farm debris, and animals were kept in inappropriately mixed groups, including male and female calves and adult cows without taking advantage of dry, drained, lying areas.
Farber was sentenced June 16th at Telford Magistrates Court, where he was previously found guilty of five crimes relating to cow welfare and further crimes for failing to perform a bovine TB test in his flock.
In addition to his disqualification, Furber was ordered to complete 250 hours of community service and pay Shropshire Council a fee of £1,800.
The incident was followed several visits to Faber’s holdings at Reihills, Wicks Hall, following a detailed investigation by the Congressional Animal Health Team.
One of the accusations related to Faber’s failure to fail to test his animals for bovine tuberculosis despite repeated warnings and advice from both the Council and the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s officers.
Bernie Bentick, a member of Shropshire Council’s Health Guests, said:
“This control strengthens our commitment to ensuring animal welfare across the county. We will continue to act against those who do not fulfill their responsibility.”
Shropshire Council reiterated that animal welfare remains a top priority and enforcement action will be taken in the event of a serious violation.
