A Truro farmer who kept cattle up to their bellies in mud, ponies with no clean water and poultry without dry housing has been banned from keeping certain animals.

Richard Harris, 42, previously of Nangiles Farm, Bissoe, admitted causing cruelty to cattle and poultry at Truro Magistrates Court earlier this month.

Officers from Cornwall Council’s Animal Health team and vets from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs visited Fuchsia Farm, Blackwater, last February after receiving information that Harris had cattle and poultry in appalling conditions.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to failing to provide ponies and ducks with clean water, failing to give adequate bedding or bathing water to ducks and chickens and failing to provide cattle with a dry lying area.

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Harris also pleaded guilty to allowing cattle to be near scrap metal and for underage heifers to have access to a bull.

District Judge Baker banned Harrison from keeping animals except cattle and dogs for five years.

He was also ordered to pay £5,000 towards the council’s costs and to undertake 180 hours of community service.

Stuart Benson, Cornwall Council’s Head of Business Standards and Registration, said: “Unfortunately, over the years, we have had a number of dealings with Mr Harris. We hope this ban will ensure that Mr Harris now cares for his remaining cattle and no further cruelty occurs. We will continue to work with DEFRA to monitor welfare standards.”

Rob Nolan, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection said: “Cornwall Council officers work to assist farmers, small holders and businesses across Cornwall in complying with the relevant legislation. However, where officers find repeated non-compliance, the Council will take formal action."