Farmer jailed after cow left drowning in muddy bog

A WEST farmer has been jailed after a calf was found halfdrowned in a muddy bog in “the worst case of animal suffering” a vet has ever seen.

Charles Dowswell Parry, 51, was already banned from keeping livestock when council officials received a tip-off about animal welfare issues at a farm.

Animal health officers arrived at Ashminton Farm in Bringsty, Herefordshire, last September and were horrified to find a calf collapsed in a muddy bog.

A vet saw muddy water running out of its nostrils and a vet was forced to euthanise it to prevent further suffering.

A further 50 cattle were seized as they were being kept in an unsuitable environment and had an inadequate diet. Officials also found a sheep carcass and more than 60 sheep being kept in appalling conditions.

Parry was jailed for eight months after he was found guilty of six animal welfare offences and breaching a previous order banning him from keeping livestock.

Speaking after Parry was jailed at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on February 11, David Hough, Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards service manager, said: “This is the worst case of animal suffering we remember the team having to deal with.

“The veterinary officer stated in court that during 29 years in his role, this had been a particularly extreme, harrowing and distressing experience to deal with.

“The unfortunate calf had been slowly drowning in the mud and the other cattle were up to their bellies in mud with limited food and water.

“The complete lack of correct care and treatment of the cattle and sheep was deplorable.”

Parry was also ordered to pay £5,000 court costs and he was banned from keeping animals for life.