Successful prosecution of chicken farmer for failing animal welfare standards

Chicken farmer Paul Hotchkiss of Church Stretton pleaded guilty to six offences under animal welfare legislation regarding the conditions seen following routine welfare checks by Shropshire Council’s animal health and welfare team and DEFRA vets.  

The prosecution relates to the conditions of housing and the environment in which the birds were held led to a high incidence of pododermatitis (an infection of the feet which causes unnecessary pain and suffering to the bird).

Shropshire Council have a statutory duty under animal health legislation to ensure that businesses involved with farmed livestock comply with relevant legislation. The animal health and welfare team regularly visit farms, markets and abattoirs to ensure high standards of animal health and welfare are being met. 

Upon hearing mitigation from the defendant, the Court imposed a Community Punishment Order of 100 hours of unpaid work in respect of all of the offences and was ordered to pay the prosecution costs of £5,782 and a victims surcharge of £95. 

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

 This is another example of recent welfare cases being brought to court in Shropshire. Our animal health and welfare officers strive to support many farmers across Shropshire to ensure high standards of welfare in what are challenging times for the industry, but where sustained non-compliance is found which involves animals suffering, appropriate action will be taken. 

Find out more about the role of Shropshire Council’s animal health and welfare team: Animal health and welfare | Shropshire Council