MICHAEL RICE, FARMER FROM CREDITON, SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL WELFARE OFFENCES

Michael Rice, born around 1950 and residing at High View, Woodland Head, Crediton EX17 5HE, was convicted in 2019 for failing to provide proper care for his cattle. Officers described the animals’ living conditions on his farm as 'generally poor,' with many animals lacking access to a dry lying area and exposed to hazards such as sharp objects, farm machinery, and rusty nails that could endanger their health.

The case was initiated by the Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service after an investigation raised concerns about the welfare of Rice’s cattle. Trading standards officers, accompanied by a veterinarian from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), visited the farm and found a bovine that appeared unable to stand for several weeks, with no access to water or supplementary feed.

Despite a veterinary recommendation that the animal should be culled if its condition did not improve, Rice had not taken any action several weeks later when authorities visited again. The vet stated that the animal had suffered 'avoidable and unnecessary suffering' under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 due to Rice’s failure to cull the animal promptly and his neglect to isolate and house the sick bovine in suitable, dry, and comfortable bedding.

District Judge Matson described the farm conditions as ‘appalling’ and called the state of the bovine ‘extremely upsetting and distressing.’

In sentencing, Rice received a 16-week suspended prison sentence, was fined £6,970, and was banned from keeping any animals for a period of 10 years. This case was reported by Farming UK.