A Staffordshire livestock owner has been sentenced after an inspection found multiple cattle in very poor health, with some animals dead or so emaciated they could not stand. Newcastle Magistrates Court heard the case brought by Staffordshire County Council following an unannounced visit to a farm on Hodge Lane in Uttoxeter.
Penalty, vet care and animal removals
The 30-year-old defendant, Jennifer Bennett, received a 14-week prison sentence suspended and was ordered to undertake 12 months of unpaid community work. She must also pay costs of £1,000 and a £154 victim surcharge. In addition, a court-imposed ban prevents her from keeping animals for 10 years.
| Sentence element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Custodial sentence | 14 weeks (suspended) |
| Community order | 12 months unpaid work |
| Financial penalties | £1,000 costs; £154 victim surcharge |
| Animal ban | 10 years |
Inspection findings and aftermath
Staffordshire County Council’s trading standards animal health team carried out the inspection in March of last year. Officers reported finding numerous dead cattle alongside others that were emaciated and unable to stand. The authority also recorded inadequate access to food and water and described calves being kept in unsanitary conditions.
Almost 100 animals were removed from the premises to prevent further suffering. Many received veterinary treatment; some were too poorly to recover and were humanely put down, the council said. The council has prosecuted in response to what it characterised as sustained welfare failures.
"serious and prolonged animal welfare failings"
Further proceedings
The court heard that day-to-day care had been managed by the defendant’s father, Alan Bennett. Stafford Crown Court is due to hear his case at a later date, the council confirmed.
- Animal welfare enforcement is carried out by local trading standards teams working with vets.
- Prosecution can follow when inspections identify risks to health and welfare of livestock.
- Removal and treatment of animals aim to prevent further suffering and to safeguard public and animal health.
The conviction highlights the legal responsibilities of livestock keepers to provide adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Local farmers and residents are likely to watch the forthcoming Crown Court hearing closely, while the county authority has reiterated its commitment to pursuing cases where animal welfare is compromised.
