DAVE AND ANNEKE BLAKE AND JENEJIO FIDEL FROM CASSINGTON FACE JUSTICE OVER ILLEGAL PIG SLAUGHTER
| Red Rose Database
Cassington Animal Abuser
In a case that has drawn significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare advocates, David and Anneke Blake, owners of the Worton Organic Garden located near Cassington, along with their employee Jenejio Marques Fidel, have been found guilty of engaging in illegal and inhumane slaughter practices involving a young piglet.
According to court records, the incident took place at the Worton farm, where the piglet, only ten weeks old, was subjected to a brutal slaughter that raised serious concerns among inspectors. The animal was restrained with its feet bound before being killed in a manner that experts described as causing a prolonged and unnecessary death. The method involved the pig's feet being tied, followed by a single stab through the heart, a procedure that veterinary officials from Defra identified as causing significant distress and suffering to the animal.
The owners, David and Anneke Blake, appeared in court alongside their employee, Jenejio Marques Fidel, who carried out the act. Evidence presented during the hearing included the knife used in the slaughter, which was shown to the court. The court was also informed that the meat from the piglet was subsequently sold and consumed at the farm’s café, despite the practice not complying with UK food safety legislation. This raised further concerns about the safety and legality of the farm’s operations.
Further investigations by Oxfordshire Trading Standards revealed additional violations. During a follow-up visit, authorities discovered evidence that medicines had been used to treat pigs for worms. When questioned about the use of veterinary medicines, Mr. Blake admitted that he did not keep any records of the treatments administered, which is a clear breach of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and integrity of food products intended for human consumption, and failure to comply can have serious health implications.
All three individuals—David Blake, Anneke Blake, and Jenejio Marques Fidel—pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, expressing remorse for their actions. They claimed that their misconduct was due to ignorance of the law and assured the court that they would adhere to all legal requirements moving forward. Despite their apologies, the court emphasized the importance of strict compliance with animal welfare and food safety laws.
Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for trading standards, Judith Heathcoat, issued a statement underscoring the importance of these regulations. She stated, “Rules are in place around the slaughter of animals and the keeping of livestock records for very good reasons, ensuring the safety and integrity of our food chain, not forgetting the need to prevent unnecessary suffering to animals. The vast majority of livestock keepers maintain very good farming standards, and we will not tolerate those who undermine the system.”
In sentencing, David Blake was fined a total of £664, which included court costs of £2,000 and a victim surcharge of £38. Anneke Blake received a fine of £230, along with £1,000 in court costs and a £30 victim surcharge. Jenejio Marques Fidel, whose address was listed as Rectory Cottage, Worton, was fined £150 and ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge. The case highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to uphold animal welfare standards and food safety regulations in the region.
According to court records, the incident took place at the Worton farm, where the piglet, only ten weeks old, was subjected to a brutal slaughter that raised serious concerns among inspectors. The animal was restrained with its feet bound before being killed in a manner that experts described as causing a prolonged and unnecessary death. The method involved the pig's feet being tied, followed by a single stab through the heart, a procedure that veterinary officials from Defra identified as causing significant distress and suffering to the animal.
The owners, David and Anneke Blake, appeared in court alongside their employee, Jenejio Marques Fidel, who carried out the act. Evidence presented during the hearing included the knife used in the slaughter, which was shown to the court. The court was also informed that the meat from the piglet was subsequently sold and consumed at the farm’s café, despite the practice not complying with UK food safety legislation. This raised further concerns about the safety and legality of the farm’s operations.
Further investigations by Oxfordshire Trading Standards revealed additional violations. During a follow-up visit, authorities discovered evidence that medicines had been used to treat pigs for worms. When questioned about the use of veterinary medicines, Mr. Blake admitted that he did not keep any records of the treatments administered, which is a clear breach of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and integrity of food products intended for human consumption, and failure to comply can have serious health implications.
All three individuals—David Blake, Anneke Blake, and Jenejio Marques Fidel—pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, expressing remorse for their actions. They claimed that their misconduct was due to ignorance of the law and assured the court that they would adhere to all legal requirements moving forward. Despite their apologies, the court emphasized the importance of strict compliance with animal welfare and food safety laws.
Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for trading standards, Judith Heathcoat, issued a statement underscoring the importance of these regulations. She stated, “Rules are in place around the slaughter of animals and the keeping of livestock records for very good reasons, ensuring the safety and integrity of our food chain, not forgetting the need to prevent unnecessary suffering to animals. The vast majority of livestock keepers maintain very good farming standards, and we will not tolerate those who undermine the system.”
In sentencing, David Blake was fined a total of £664, which included court costs of £2,000 and a victim surcharge of £38. Anneke Blake received a fine of £230, along with £1,000 in court costs and a £30 victim surcharge. Jenejio Marques Fidel, whose address was listed as Rectory Cottage, Worton, was fined £150 and ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge. The case highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to uphold animal welfare standards and food safety regulations in the region.