PETER GORSE'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN GREAT BRIDGEFORD AND STAFFORDSHIRE

Peter Gorse, a farmer from Great Bridgeford, has been found guilty of severe animal neglect and cruelty, with his actions spanning over a prolonged period and resulting in the tragic death of numerous livestock. Born in February 1986, Gorse was a co-director of P & L Farming Ltd and managed Shaw Wood Farm, located in Butterhill Lane, Sandon, Stafford. His farm came under scrutiny after members of the public reported seeing dead cattle in the fields, prompting investigations by Staffordshire County Council.

Prosecutor Lucy Daniels detailed the disturbing findings, stating that two adult cattle and a calf had been left to die in a field, with Gorse failing to register the births of new calves or the deaths of cattle within the legally mandated seven days. Despite receiving advice in June 2019 following an initial complaint, Gorse did not act promptly. A subsequent complaint in November highlighted a carcass near a fence, but the defendant only registered the death on January 2, well after the initial reports.

On December 12, 2019, council investigators visited Shaw Wood Farm and discovered a dead bovine in a field, with a calf having been eaten by other animals. The investigation revealed that the cattle had no access to adequate shelter, and the only food available was sparse grass, which was insufficient for their needs. Veterinarians involved in the case confirmed that the cows would have endured significant suffering due to being trapped in muddy conditions for an extended period.

Further grim discoveries were made on May 27, 2020, when the farm’s new owners uncovered the carcasses of eight adult bovines, three calves, and two sheep dumped in a pit. The prosecution argued that the standard of care provided by Gorse was grossly inadequate and fell far below acceptable animal welfare standards.

Gorse pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including six counts of failing to comply with animal by-product regulations, two counts of neglecting to keep proper records of animal births, deaths, and movements, and four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals. The court was informed that Gorse is no longer involved in farming activities.

District Judge Kevin Grego condemned Gorse’s actions, describing the neglect as 'prolonged' and the care as 'incompetent.' He emphasized the importance of animal welfare legislation, especially during a time when tracking animal origins and disease control is critical, citing the ongoing pandemic as a context for the necessity of proper animal husbandry and record-keeping.

Judge Grego highlighted that Gorse’s inability to manage his farm and his failure to seek help during a period of personal tragedy led to the suffering and death of the animals. The judge stated, “It was particularly poor care of farmed animals over a period of time where your ability to farm was beyond your capabilities. You should have sought help and did not do so.”

Sentencing included a 12-month community order, 100 hours of unpaid work, and a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement. Gorse was also ordered to pay £1,000 in costs and a £90 surcharge. Additionally, he is banned from caring for, breeding, or farming animals for the next ten years, reflecting the severity of his misconduct and the need to protect future animals from similar neglect.