28/04/2023 - Permalink

Calf dealer prosecuted for breaches of animal welfare and identification charges

Related topics: Public protection

A north Shropshire calf dealer has been prosecuted by Shropshire Council for breaches of animal welfare and identification charges.

At a hearing at Telford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 24 April 2023, Derek Whittall admitted three charges of removing and replacing cattle ear tags without the permission of the competent authority contrary to schedule 1 of the Cattle Identification Regulations 2007.

He also admitted two charges of being the responsible person for animals namely bovine calves, where he failed to take steps as were reasonable in all the circumstances to prevent an employee from causing unnecessary suffering when an employee repeatedly kicked, pushed and threw calves down a ramp when they were being unloaded, contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006; and one charge of  causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal in that he kicked a calf when it was being unloaded.

The offences occurred between November 2020 and February 2021.

Whittall was sentenced to an 18-month community order, with requirements to attend 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and undertake 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay costs of £11,855.34 within 12 months, and a victim surcharge of £95.

Whittall was also disqualified from owning, keeping or being party to and arrangement etc of bovines for five years.

Richard Marshall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and regulatory services , said:-

“This has been a sensitive but successful prosecution to ensure that farmers employ the highest standards of welfare in their business to protect the food chain and ensure adequate control of disease.

“Shropshire Council’s animal health team strive to support good performing businesses to ensure healthy people and a healthy economy across the county.”