Shukers Farm Shop in Weston Coyney has publicly addressed a long‑running family dispute after two relatives were sentenced for more than 30 animal cruelty charges at Westwood Hall Farm, Leek. The statement, issued on Friday, sought to make clear that the farm shop and the convicted couple had been estranged for several years.
Family rift and operational separation
The farm shop, operated by Andrew, Debra and Luke Shuker, confirmed that Matthew and Courtney Shuker previously ran Shukers Pet & Animal Feeds from the site but are no longer operating from there following their convictions. The business complex on the Weston Coyney site also houses a range of other enterprises.
"Unfortunately, we now find ourselves having to publicly address long‑standing private family disputes involving Matthew Shuker and Courtney Shuker who previously operated Shukers Pet & Animal Feeds from our site."
In its statement, the farm shop said a "serious family disagreement" more than five years ago had produced a "complete breakdown in family relationships" and that, as a result, family members had not visited Westwood Hall Farm since before the falling‑out.
Claims of limited knowledge and legal constraints
The statement asserts the shop had no direct knowledge of the condition of animals at the Leek address and says that — despite rumours over the years — they had been repeatedly reassured that no wrongdoing had taken place. The directors say they were not informed of the truth, nor of the court hearing date, until press coverage appeared.
They also point to "legal limitations" at the time that prevented them from removing the pet feed business from their site, despite what they describe as ongoing difficulties. The statement emphasises that Matthew and Courtney are no longer operating from the Weston Coyney premises.
Local implications and questions
The disclosure raises several practical and civic questions for local residents and regulators: how local businesses sharing a site manage oversight of sub‑tenants, what responsibilities fall on landowners when tenant conduct attracts criminal proceedings, and how assurances given in the face of rumours should be tested.
- Shukers Farm Shop — operated by Andrew, Debra and Luke Shuker (statement issued)
- Shukers Pet & Animal Feeds — previously operated by Matthew and Courtney Shuker; no longer operating from the site
- Other businesses on site — include a vets, a dog groomer, a salon, a fertility clinic and a café
| Business | Status (per farm shop statement) |
|---|---|
| Shukers Farm Shop | Operating; issued public statement |
| Shukers Pet & Animal Feeds | Previously on site; now not operated from site |
| Vets, dog groomer, salon, fertility clinic, café | Other businesses located on site |
Local residents may seek clarity from the farm shop or local authorities about any ongoing regulatory checks or assurances. The statement closes by distancing the continuing family businesses from the conduct at Westwood Hall Farm in Leek and by reiterating that relationships between family members have been fractured for several years.
Further reporting may examine what steps, if any, local regulatory bodies and trading‑standards authorities are taking in response to the convictions and whether any change in tenancy or site management practice is planned at the Weston Coyney complex.
