JIMMY MOAR'S HORRIFIC FARMING CRIMES IN DEERNESS: ORKNEY COUNCILLOR'S SHOCKING ANIMAL ABUSE REVEALED

James Robert Moar, a farmer and local councillor from Deerness, located in the Orkney Islands, has been found guilty of severe neglect and mistreatment of his livestock, leading to the tragic euthanasia of two cows. Born in December 1955, Moar resides at Rosebank, Deerness, Kirkwall, with the postal code KW17 2QL. His case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the animal welfare violations committed on his farm.

Moar, who serves as a councillor representing the East Mainland, South Ronaldsay, and Burray areas of Orkney, pleaded guilty to two charges related to animal cruelty that date back to spring 2022. The incidents in question occurred at his residence in Deerness, where he kept approximately 50 cattle along with several sheep. The conditions in which these animals were kept were described as appalling, with reports indicating that livestock suffered from neglect and inadequate care.

According to court records, Moar admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to two cows between April 7 and May 5, 2022. The neglect involved failing to provide necessary veterinary treatment or pain relief for foot infections that the animals were suffering from. As a result of this neglect, the cows became emaciated, severely malnourished, and ultimately had to be euthanized on welfare grounds. The court heard that Moar’s failure to address their health issues was a direct consequence of his inability to manage his farm properly, citing that he had “too many plates to spin” due to his commitments as a councillor, a farmer, and a builder.

In addition to the first charge, Moar faced a second allegation for neglecting the needs of multiple cattle. Investigations revealed that several cows on his farm were found in a state of extreme emaciation, with two of them requiring euthanasia because their suffering could not be alleviated. The court found that Moar had failed to provide the animals with clean, dry, and comfortable resting areas, adequate nutrition free from faecal contamination, or timely veterinary care for issues such as lameness. These neglectful conditions persisted between May 6 and May 17, 2022.

Following his guilty plea in December 2022, the court initially deferred sentencing to allow Moar the opportunity to demonstrate improvements in his farm’s conditions. Subsequent inspections by the Animal and Plant Health Authority (APHA) confirmed that significant progress had been made, with Moar’s legal representatives asserting that he had taken steps to rectify the issues. The court acknowledged that during the period of neglect, Moar’s multiple responsibilities had overwhelmed him, leading to the suffering of his animals.

In light of the positive changes observed, Sheriff David Sutherland decided not to impose a ban on Moar’s ability to keep animals, recognizing the efforts made to improve his farm. However, Moar’s legal troubles extended beyond animal welfare, as he was also sentenced to 40 hours of unpaid work for an assault charge from January 2021. Additionally, he received a sentence of 120 hours of unpaid work to be completed within one year, along with a two-year supervision order, reflecting the seriousness of his overall conduct.

Moar’s case has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of local officials and the importance of animal welfare standards in rural communities. His actions and subsequent legal proceedings highlight the need for vigilance and accountability in the management of farm animals, especially when public figures are involved.