A North Devon farmer who pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a lamb has been banned from keeping cattle and sheep for two years.
Andrew Conibear, 57, of Knapp Down, Combe Martin, pleaded guilty to failing to look after animals in his care in Barnstaple Magistrates on June 8.
He also pleaded guilty of failing to dispose of dead livestock without ‘undue delay’.
Over two years Conibear had repeatedly been advised by officers from Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards and vets from the Animal and Plant Health Agency about the condition of his livestock.
The animals were in poor condition with little food and suitable conditions to lay.
In one instance a lamb was so weak it could not stand and had to be euthanised to prevent further suffering.
The court suspended the ban for three months in order to give Conibear time for the sale and disposal of his existing livestock.
In addition to the ban Conibear was ordered to pay a £150 fine and a £34 victim surcharge.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here