£1.3k bill for farmer who failed to get rid of dead sheep

26 July 2023

Failing to correctly dispose of 17 sheep carcasses has cost a Powys farmer over £1,300 after they were prosecuted by the county council's Animal Health Team.

Terry Martin Griffiths of Cartref, Trecastle, Brecon, who pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 2014, appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 19 July. He was fined £340 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000 and a £34 victim surcharge.

The court heard that in December 2021, animal health officers visited Cartref and found 11 sheep carcasses that had not been disposed of correctly. Less than three months later, another six sheep carcasses were found that had not been disposed of correctly.

Cllr Richard Church, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: "Not disposing of livestock carcasses is a serious issue. Not only does it pose a real risk of disease, but it also damages the reputation of the farming community.

"Farmers are advised that it is a requirement of the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 2014 that all carcasses are collected, transported and disposed of in an approved manner.

"The law is clear and necessary to control the spread of disease to other animals and to protect the human food chain. Breaching these requirements poses a threat to both animal and human health.

"This case should serve as a reminder to the farming community in Powys to dispose of animal carcasses in the correct manner.

"If farmers do not follow these regulations, then we will investigate and take the appropriate action."

For advice on animal welfare, keeping farmed animals or to report a problem: Animal Welfare