Mystery poisoning of 140 cows on farm as father feuds with son

FRENCH detectives investigating the deaths of 140 cows at a family farm have unearthed evidence of poisoning amid a bitter feud between the farmer and his retired father.

Pascal Chazelas, 37, took over the running of the farm in Pageas, central France, in 2009. He introduced modern practices, angering Jean-louis, his “old-fashioned” father.

“Nothing was ever good enough for him,” Pascal Chazelas said. “He wouldn’t accept change.”

Examinations of the cattle revealed that poisoning was the most likely cause of death, with the bodies containing high levels of nitrates and nitrites.

Mr Chazelas and Marie-anaïs, 29, his wife, endured years of harassment in scenes reminiscent of Jean de Florette, the French film in which two Provençal farmers conspire to drive away an enthusiastic newcomer.

Their tractor’s tyres were slashed. An intruder opened the cowshed door one night. The couple’s two cats also died suddenly and then Pascal Chazelas fell ill. Analyses showed he had ingested a heavy metal that could cause death.

Mr Chazelas then discovered his father had taken out life insurance on him. The older man, who still owned the farm and was renting it, stood to collect €150,000 (£134,500) if he died. The couple were unable to pay their rent and were taunted by Jean-louis,

‘Nothing was ever good enough for him. I’ll regret taking over the farm for the rest of my life’

who wrote in a letter: “You can’t succeed in farming if you only work two or three days a week.”

Police questioned the father but said there was no conclusive evidence.

He admitted the insurance policy was “a mistake” but said he was not involved in the cattle deaths.

Mr and Mrs Chazelas are trying to raise €150,000 through crowdfunding. “I’ll regret taking over the farm for the rest of my life,” Mr Chazelas said.