SUSPENDED JAIL TERMS FOR LLANFARIAN FARMERS OVER SHEEP NEGLECT
Two farmers from Llanfarian received suspended jail sentences after a court found them guilty of animal cruelty regarding their treatment of sheep.The court heard that the farmers deprived their sheep of fresh water and kept them in sheds filled with so much manure that their heads nearly touched the ceiling.
Rosemary Beryl Crees and John Richard Morgan, both residents of Alltmai Farm, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on November 9.
Crees, aged 73, and Morgan, aged 84, had previously admitted to multiple charges in September related to causing unnecessary suffering to animals at Alltmai Farm and another property at Hafod Las Isaf, during the period from June 6, 2023, to April 30 of this year.
It was revealed that the two failed to care properly for over 500 sheep across both locations.
They did not provide these animals with a consistent supply of fresh, clean drinking water, and many sheep suffered from untreated lameness.
The court also heard that in some sheds, manure accumulated several feet deep, with the sheep’s heads touching the roof.
Additionally, the farmers neglected to shear their sheep annually, increasing the risk of fly strike and overheating during the summer.
They also failed to seek veterinary assistance when needed.
Since 2016, officers from Ceredigion County Council’s Public Protection Service had visited the farms 40 times, recording violations of animal welfare laws and issuing written advice, which the defendants ignored.
The sheep at both farms were housed in unsuitable buildings or yards; specifically, approximately 26 sheep at Alltmai Farm were kept in a dirty environment that was considered inappropriate, and 60 sheep were not treated for lameness at Alltmai.
Furthermore, 140 ewes and their lambs grazing in the fields were not given enough clean water.
The charges stemmed from inspections carried out by council officers in June 2022 at Alltmai Farm and in April 2023 at Hafod Las Isaf.
The magistrates sentenced Crees and Morgan to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.
They stated that the offenses were “so serious” due to the defendants’ “lack of cooperation and refusal to follow advice.” The court suspended the sentences because they believed there was a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation” and noted that the farmers had already begun efforts to reduce their stock and improve conditions.
Both farmers were also disqualified from keeping livestock for four years and ordered to pay costs of £2,579.32 each, along with a £154 surcharge.
Cllr Matthew Vaux, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance, and Public Protection, emphasized the importance of animal welfare laws, noting: “This case underscores the importance of adhering to animal welfare laws and the serious consequences of neglect.” He added, “Our officers work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of animals in our community, and we will continue to take robust action against those who fail to meet their responsibilities.” He concluded by stating, “Let this serve as a reminder that animal cruelty will not be tolerated, and we will pursue justice for the voiceless victims.”
