Farmers plead guilty of causing suffering to animals

Two Somerset men have pleaded guilty on four charges of causing unnecessary suffering to two sheep and two cows.

Derek Oatley, 71,  and his 68-year-old brother Terrance Oatley, of Moor Lane Farm, Draycott near Cheddar, appeared at Yeovil Magistrates Court following an investigation led by Devon and Somerset Trading Standards.

Their investigations were in response to complaints about the welfare of animals on the farm, and of animal carcases found on farm land.

The two defendants were fined £440 each with £20 Victim Surcharge, and had to pay costs of £3,170.

The court was shown photographs illustrating serious instances of animal suffering, described by Trading Standards as ‘some of the most serious’ that they have encountered.

After hearing all of the facts of the case, the Magistrates decided to use powers available to them under the Animal Welfare Act and disqualified the brothers from keeping or owning livestock for five years.

They now have six weeks to remove approximately 350 animals from the farm.

Councillor David Hall, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Trading Standards service, said: “Officers work hard to support and advise the local farming community. Unfortunately, there are  occasions where cases such as this have to be brought before the courts. This case sends out a clear message that although farming is a business and a vital part of our economy, the welfare of farm animals should remain paramount at all times.”