ROBIN HAYWARD OF HARLESTON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO CATTLE IN METFIELD, SUFFOLK

Robin Hayward, a farmer from Harleston, was found guilty of multiple serious offences concerning the welfare of his cattle at his farm in Metfield, Suffolk. The case drew significant attention due to the appalling conditions in which the animals were kept and the neglect that led to their suffering and death.

In March 2017, veterinary inspectors conducted a thorough investigation at Hayward’s farm, located at Withersdale Hall Farm in Metfield. During their inspection, they discovered the carcasses of 38 cattle in various stages of decomposition, discarded in a muck heap. Some of these carcasses were found rotting in slurry near other undernourished and distressed animals. The scene was described as utterly disturbing, with the conditions of the farm reflecting a severe neglect of animal welfare.

Robin Hayward, born around 1972, faced multiple charges related to the health and treatment of his cattle. He pleaded guilty to nine offences, which included causing unnecessary suffering to the animals, failing to properly identify and dispose of dead cattle, and neglecting to notify authorities about the deaths. The court heard that the cattle had been subjected to prolonged suffering over a period exceeding six weeks, during which they endured malnutrition and deplorable living conditions.

Judge Martyn Levett, presiding over the case, condemned Hayward’s actions, describing his treatment of the cattle as “incompetent and inhumane.” The judge emphasized that the suffering was not incidental but prolonged, and that Hayward’s failure to act appropriately was a direct cause of the animals’ suffering and death. The judge rejected claims from Hayward’s defense that the offences were driven by financial difficulties, stating that the farmer had access to sufficient funding that could have prevented the animals’ unnecessary suffering.

“As a consequence of your failings, cattle died and were left to rot away in knee-deep slurry, with live animals trampling over the carcasses in a desperate attempt to find enough feed,” Judge Levett stated. He further described the conditions on the farm as “disgusting,” placing full responsibility on Hayward for the neglect and suffering inflicted upon the animals.

Hayward admitted to eight of the charges, which included causing unnecessary suffering, failing to promptly identify and remove carcasses, and neglecting to report the deaths to authorities. His sentencing included a 44-week prison term, which was suspended for two years, along with 120 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, he was fined £16,200 and ordered to pay costs amounting to £12,900. The court also imposed a ban on Hayward from owning or keeping any farm animals in the future.

This case highlights the importance of animal welfare standards and the consequences of neglecting the responsibilities that come with farming. The authorities hope that the penalties serve as a warning to others about the serious repercussions of animal cruelty and neglect in agricultural practices.