WILTSHIRE farmer Daniel Hayward has received a suspended prison sentence after he admitted mistreating animals.

Hayward, of Bratton, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, banned from keeping all animals except cattle, cats and dogs for five years and ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work at Swindon Magistrates Court today (January 20).

He must also pay £3,600 costs and a victim surcharge after admitting welfare offences.

It comes after an investigation by Wiltshire Council led to the 33-year-old being charged with 21 offences relating to the care of sheep, livestock record keeping requirements and the incorrect storage of carcasses between April 2023 and February 2024.

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When officers from the council’s Animal Health and Welfare team visited land in Great Cheverell in April 2023 they found approximately 30 sheep, including ewes with young lambs, with no access to drinking water.

On a separate visit, multiple decaying sheep carcases were found in and around buildings used by Hayward.
Further animal welfare inspections by the animal health officers and vets from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) were conducted between April and May 2023.

In total, six sheep were found to be in such poor condition that they required immediate euthanasia, while others needed veterinary treatment.

As the investigation continued, Hayward stored sheep carcasses incorrectly, allowing other animals and birds access, with the stench of decay causing a nuisance locally, the court was told.

It was also discovered he was continuing to commit serious animal welfare offences, with five further sheep requiring immediate euthanasia during a revisit with from officers and an APHA vet.

Hayward was also charged with failing to comply with legal requirements relating to recording and reporting movements of sheep used to ensure traceability of his flock.

In addition, he had failed to notify the Secretary of State that he was keeping sheep on land at Worton and Great Cheverell and did not provide officers with copies of his animal movement and animal medicine records when required.

After the hearing, Cllr Dominic Muns, cabinet member for environment, said: “I want to thank our dedicated team of Animal Health and Welfare officers who do all that they can to enforce legislation designed to help protect animal health and welfare across Wiltshire.

“This shocking case shows that we will use our powers to prosecute those who are found to be neglecting or acting cruelly towards livestock in our county.

“It also highlights the importance of record keeping, with the details being used when necessary to help prevent and contain disease.

“If anyone has concerns related to the health and welfare of livestock they can contact the animal health team on 0300 456 0100.”