Lifetime livestock ban for farmer in neglect case

AFARMER has been banned from keeping farm animals for the rest of his life after neglecting livestock and leaving animals emaciated.

The case was deemed severe enough for Timothy Dean Harris to be given a suspended jail sentence.

His crimes included allowing cattle to be “in poor body condition” and leaving multiple carcasses in fields or incorrectly stored. One lamb had a severe skin infection following flystrike and he failed to provide them with a suitable diet.

Harris, 46, from St Breward, appeared at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court on April 25 where he received a 20-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay £5,000 in costs and £128 victim surcharge.

He pleaded guilty to five offences relating to animal welfare and animal by-products on January 3 following a prosecution brought by Cornwall Council.

In May 2022, inspectors from Cornwall Council’s animal health team and the government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency inspected Harris’ stock in fields around the village of St Tudy in response to a complaint. Inspectors found cattle in poor body condition and two lame cows.

They also found sheep which had access to loose fencing and trailing barbed wire. Further complaints were made which resulted in visits in June and July where officers found multiple carcasses which were incorrectly stored or left in fields. They also found

One of the underweight cows a lamb which had a severe skin infection following flystrike.

The court heard that Harris’s father, who used to help care for the animals, had been taken ill some months before. Harris took sole ownership of the animals and was helping to care for his grandmother too at the time. Harris told the court he took responsibility for what happened and won’t be keeping stock again.

The court said the case showed prolonged neglect with ignored warnings and advice which resulted in high harm to the animals involved. The offences are so serious they surpassed the custodial sentence, but this was suspended due to the animals having been sold. The lifetime ban may not be appealed for 10 years and is effective immediately.

Jane Tomlinson, trading standards manager at Cornwall Council, said: “This case was brought after inspectors had given Mr Harris advice and guidance on many occasions.”

Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for environment and climate change said: “Where officers find non-compliance or a complete disregard for farm animal welfare, the Council will not hesitate to take formal action.”

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