Martin Lownds, 62, and Jacqueline Lownds, 62, from Churnetside Garage, Abbey Green Road, Leek, pleaded guilty to eight offences, including a failure to provide adequate care for the animals. They also admitted to five offences for failing to remove dead animals from their farm.
The couple were sentenced at Telford Magistrates court on Tuesday November 14. Both were sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for two years and were ordered to pay a total of £12,000 in costs.
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When animal health officers from Staffordshire County Council's Trading Standards team visited the farm in early 2022, they found sheep living in extremely poor welfare conditions. Despite formal improvement notices and continued advice to support the couple with compliance, in April 2022, the situation was so bad on the farm that officers had no option other than to take livestock into their possession, due to the sheep suffering unnecessarily.
A significant number of dead animals were found at the site, including multiple deaths of lambs that had not received appropriate care following their birth. Dead animals were also found in pens with live animals. The shed where the sheep were housed was not suitable and little food, water or dry lying were being provided for the animals.
Despite knowing that their animals were suffering, the couple admitted that they failed to take appropriate action or seek veterinary advice to prevent further unnecessary suffering.
Victoria Wilson, cabinet member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said: "This was a very distressing case involving some of the most vulnerable animals in farming.
Animal welfare
"Mr and Mrs Lownds failed to provide basic husbandry needs, at a time when extra attention should have been provided. When ewes are lambing, they need extra attention to ensure the welfare of the mother and offspring is not compromised."
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She added the vast majority of Staffordshire farmers and livestock owners took ‘good care' of their animals.
"However, on some occasions, we do see cases where these expected high standards are not met.
"Today's sentence sends out a clear message that our trading standards animal health team will take action against those who break the law in such a manner."
