Two poultry keepers from Cornwall whose animals were kept in shocking conditions, have failed in their appeal to overturn a ten-year ban on keeping poultry.

Michael John Thomas Jackson and partner Joanna Caroline Lutey, of Boldventure Close, St Austell, pleaded guilty to a number of animal welfare and related offences in October.

District Judge Baker handed the couple a ten-year ban on keeping poultry and issued them both with a 12-month community order. This required Mr Jackson to carry out 200 of unpaid work and Ms Lutey to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

The couple were ordered to pay Cornwall Council £4,000 towards their costs.

In Truro Crown Court yesterday the couple offered no evidence to show the court that conditions on the premises have improved.

The Judge therefore agreed that the ten-year ban on keeping poultry was the correct sentence and dismissed the couple’s appeal. The Judge also ordered them to pay the council’s further costs of £700.

Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for environment and public protection, Sue James said: "The upholding of this ban on keeping poultry sends a strong message to those that keep birds commercially or as a hobby that they must take animal welfare seriously."

“The public can rest assured that Council Officers will use all available legal options to make sure animal welfare is protected.”