Cornwall Smallholder Fined Over £2,400 for Animal Neglect

A smallholder from Cornwall has been ordered to pay £2,456 in fines and costs after being prosecuted for neglecting his animals. John Ingham, 63, pleaded guilty to five charges of animal neglect at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on February 6, 2025, following an investigation by Cornwall Council and DEFRA.

The case dates back to 2021, when officers first visited Ingham’s smallholding in Trebrownbridge, Liskeard. They found goats, sheep, and pigs in poor condition, with the pigs lacking a dry lying area and the animals exposed to hazardous materials such as scrap metal, broken glass, and other debris. After receiving advice from Cornwall Council, Ingham made some improvements and was issued a formal warning.

However, when officers returned in March 2024, they discovered the animals were once again being kept in appalling conditions. The court heard that Ingham had failed to provide adequate bedding, food, and fresh water for his animals. They were also exposed to dangerous items, including broken glass, sharp metal edges, wood with protruding nails, and live electric cables.

Ingham pleaded guilty to five offences, including:

1. Failing to provide goats with clean, dry bedding, forage, clean water, and prompt veterinary treatment, while allowing them access to hazardous objects.
2. Failing to provide pigs with clean, dry bedding and fresh drinking water.
3. Failing to provide sheep with clean, dry bedding, forage, clean water, and allowing them access to hazardous objects.
4. Allowing poultry access to hazardous objects.
5. Causing unnecessary suffering to two emaciated sheep by failing to provide them with prompt veterinary treatment.

Magistrates took into account Ingham’s early guilty plea, cooperation with the Council, efforts to address some of the issues, and his expression of genuine remorse. He was fined £1,040, ordered to pay a £416 surcharge, and contribute £1,000 towards the Council’s costs.

Jane Tomlinson, Group Leader for Cornwall Trading Standards, said: “In 2021, Mr. Ingham was given detailed advice and improved the conditions at his smallholding, which is why he was issued a warning at that time. However, by the winter of 2024, standards had slipped again, and the animals were being neglected, leaving us no choice but to bring the case to court.”

Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for enforcement, added: “Where officers find repeated non-compliance or a complete disregard for farm animal welfare, the Council will take formal action to protect animals from cruelty and uphold the reputation of the Cornish farming industry. This man kept his animals in appalling conditions, and that is totally unacceptable. We urge all smallholders to understand the needs of animals before buying them.”

Cornwall Council officers will revisit Ingham’s smallholding to ensure the necessary improvements are made. Failure to comply could result in further enforcement action.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper animal care and the legal consequences of neglect. Cornwall Council continues to work to safeguard animal welfare and maintain the high standards expected of the region’s farming community.