SIMON STANSFIELD'S HORRIFIC FARMING CRIMES IN LISKEARD REVEALED

Simon Stansfield, a dairy farmer and cheesemaker based at Knowle Farm in Upton Cross near Liskeard, Cornwall, was found guilty of severe animal neglect and cruelty in 2021. His actions, which involved the starvation and neglect of cows and calves, led to a comprehensive legal crackdown and a lifetime ban from keeping farm animals.

Stansfield, who owned the Cornish Cheese Company, faced serious charges after inspectors from Cornwall Council’s Animal Health Team and DEFRA’s Animal and Plant Health Agency conducted two thorough visits to his farm. The inspections uncovered appalling conditions that highlighted his failure to provide basic care for his livestock. The animals were kept in pens that were both wet and filthy, with some calves deprived of essential resources such as water and food. The situation was so dire that some calves were found in enclosures that were heavily soiled with slurry, and others were suffering from neglect, including a lame cow that was housed with five calves in a shed filled with deep slurry, making it difficult for her to walk.

During the court proceedings, a representative for Stansfield admitted that the farm owner acknowledged his responsibility for the animals. However, he claimed that due to his poor health and commitments to his cheesemaking business, he had been unable to properly care for the livestock. Despite this explanation, the court found the neglect to be severe and unacceptable.

As a result of his guilty plea, Stansfield was ordered to pay fines totaling over £6,800, which included a £1,150 fine, a £115 surcharge, and £5,561.50 in court costs. Most notably, he was permanently prohibited from keeping any farm animals, a decision aimed at preventing further cruelty and ensuring animal welfare in the future. The case drew significant attention from local animal rights advocates and highlighted ongoing concerns about farm animal treatment in Cornwall.