BRIDGWATER MAN MARTIN VEYSEY BANNED FOR LIFE AND SENTENCED AFTER CATTLE AND ANIMAL ABUSE CASE

Martin Veysey, a resident of Albert Court on Albert Street in Bridgwater, has faced serious legal repercussions following his violation of animal welfare laws and regulations concerning cattle identification. Born around 1955, Veysey was previously subjected to a lifetime ban on keeping animals, a restriction imposed in 2011 due to his involvement in causing unnecessary suffering and neglecting proper care for his animals.

On Tuesday, December 18, 2018, Veysey appeared before Taunton Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to six charges brought under the Animal Welfare Act and the Cattle Identification Regulations. These charges stemmed from his activities involving the purchase, transportation, and ownership of cattle sourced from various markets across the South West region. The prosecution also included allegations related to a pony and an American bulldog that were owned by Veysey.

The court proceedings revealed that Veysey had failed to report and record cattle movements as required by law, and he did not surrender the necessary cattle passports to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs’ (Defra) British Cattle Movement Service. These violations are considered serious breaches of animal and livestock management regulations.

The investigation that led to these charges was conducted by Trading Standards officers from Devon, Somerset, and Torbay. They collected intelligence from multiple sources, including members of the public who responded to advertisements placed by Veysey to sell animals. Additional information was obtained from the RSPCA, livestock auctioneers, and landowners who had observed Veysey’s interactions with animals, providing a comprehensive picture of his activities.

During the sentencing hearing, the judge emphasized the importance of legislation designed to protect animals from individuals like Veysey, who are often referred to as 'cowboys' in the context of livestock management. The judge warned that any future violations would result in a prison sentence, underscoring the seriousness of the case.

As part of his punishment, Veysey was sentenced to eight months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits further offenses within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £2,115. The case highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to clamp down on animal cruelty and illegal livestock activities in the Bridgwater area and the wider South West region.