A warrant has been issued for the arrest of two people accused of mistreating livestock.

Diane Shearmon, 39, and Nicholas Shearmon, whose age is not recorded in court documents, are accused of failing to register the deaths of 21 animals, keep a register of their flock or protect their sheep and cattle from risks to their health.

Nicholas Shearmon has also been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a number of cows, including three that died and one that was allegedly found severely malnourished.

The majority of the offences are claimed to have been committed in 2019 at Spiderweb Paddocks, Seend.

The Shearmons, both of Seend, near Melksham, had been due before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday to answer the total 24 charges against them.

When they did not turn up to court a warrant was issued for their arrest.

Diane Shearmon faces the following allegations:

:: On December 3, 2019, failed to ensure that animals that appeared to be ill or injured were cared for appropriately and isolated in suitable accommodation with appropriate, dry and comfortable bedding

:: On December 3, 2019, failed to ensure a cow was cared for appropriately and without delay

:: On November 20, 2019, failed to protect nine cows from risks to their health by preventing access to a muddy bog/pond

:: Between November 27 and December 17, 2019, failed to protect a flock of sheep from risks to their health by preventing access to a muddy bog/pond with submerged debris

:: On or before December 17, 2019, failed to provide a suitable diet for eight cows

:: On or before December 3, 2019, failed to notify the Secretary of State within seven days of the deaths of 21 animals

:: On or before November 22, 2019, failed:: On or before December 3, 2019, failed to notify the Secretary of State about the movement of cattle onto a holding at Lopcombe Corner, Salisbury

:: On or before November 22, 2019, failed to keep a flock register

:: On or before November 20, 2019, failed to hold three carcases pending consignment or disposal in such a manner as to ensure that no animal or bird had access to them to record the deaths of 10 animals in accordance with the Cattle Identification Regulations 2007

:: On or before December 3, 2019, failed to notify the Secretary of State about the movement of cattle onto a holding at Lopcombe Corner, Salisbury

:: On or before November 22, 2019, failed to keep a flock register

:: On or before November 20, 2019, failed to hold three carcases pending consignment or disposal in such a manner as to ensure that no animal or bird had access to them

Nicholas Shearmon faces the following allegations:

:: On or before November 20, 2019, caused unnecessary suffering to two cows by failing to seek veterinary treatment. Post mortems indicated the cows had chronic malnutrition, intestinal parasitism and a lungworm infection

:: On or before November 20, 2019, caused unnecessary suffering to a cow by failing to seek veterinary treatment for a weak cow. A post mortem indicated the cow was suffering from chronic malnutrition, intestinal parasitism and a lungworm infection, and had spent a significant time lying down prior to its death

:: On November 20, 2019, caused unnecessary suffering to a cow that was found to be anaemic, dehydrated, extremely thin and severely bloated

:: On December 3, 2019, failed to take all reasonable steps to ensure animals that appeared to be ill or injured were cared for appropriately

:: On December 3, 2019, failed to ensure a cow was cared for appropriately and without delay

:: On November 20, 2019, failed to protect nine cows from risks to their health by preventing access to a muddy pond/bog

:: Between November 20, 2019, and December 17, 2019, failed to protect a flock of sheep from risks to their health by preventing access to a muddy bog/pond with submerged debris

:: On December 17, 2019, failed to ensure the needs of a horse were met by failing to address or remove environmental hazards as requested

:: On or before December 17, 2019, failed to provide a suitable wholesome diet for eight cows

:: On or before December 3, 2019, failed to notify the Secretary of State of the deaths of 21 animals

:: On or before November 22, 2019, failed to record the deaths of 10 animals in accordance with the Cattle Identification Regulations 2007

:: On or before December 3, 2019, failed to notify the Secretary of State about the movement of cattle onto a holding at Lopcombe Corner, Salisbury

:: On or before November 20, 2019, failed to keep a flock register

:: On or before November 20, 2019, failed to hold three carcases pending consignment or disposal in such a manner as to ensure that no animal or bird had access to them

The prosecution has been brought by Wiltshire Council.