Cow was left to die in field
Farmer neglected herd
A farmer’s stricken Highland cow was found dead after he deprived it of shelter.
Detlef Meier, owner of 108 acres by Maybole, left the poor beast out in all weather and stuck in mud.
The body of the docile animal was discovered submerged in muck.
Meier neglected his whole herd by failing to give them enough water and suitable food, Ayr Sheriff Court heard last week.
Depute fiscal Stephen McClean said there were “serious concerns” for the safety of the remaining cattle in his care.
He said they still have no shelter.
Defending, Lawyer Gregor Forbes, said Meier was selling the hairy herd, which was worth a “substantial” amount of money.
S h e r i f f J o h n Montgomery said the value of the herd would rapidly decrease if he doesn’t take care of it.
The Sheriff asked if there was shelter available but Meier claimed they normally didn’t need any.
Mr Forbes said the SSPCA were monitoring the situation and had visited the farm.
Sheriff Montgomery told Meier: “The sooner you get rid of these beasts the better.”
Prosecutors applied for a deprivation order to remove the cattle from Meier but it was refused by the sheriff. West Mainshill Farm is up for sale for £ 350,000 with the cattle being touted separately.
Meier pled guilty to failing to give the dead cow a suitable environment - leaving it partially submerged in mud on February 9.
The 63- year- old, of West Mainshill Farm, also admitted failing to provide a suitable feeding routine, readily accessible drinking water, and drying resting areas for the whole herd between February 22 and 16.
Sentencing has been deferred until December 10 for the prepartion of a criminal justice social work report.