Farmers breached bovine TB rules

The three farmers breached cattle identification and movement rules aimed at preventing the spread of bovine tuberculosis

Eleven farms were placed under restrictions after three men breached rules aimed at preventing the spread of bovine tuberculosis.

The three farmers have been given suspended prison sentences after the farms were told they could not move animals until officials were satisfied they were clear from the disease, Staffordshire County Council said.

Sean Landy, 48, from Madeley, pleaded guilty to three charges of fraud and dishonestly stating his cattle had been tested prior to being sold at cattle markets.

Mark Oulton, 53, from Barthomley Road, Audley, and Christopher Armstrong, 46, of Limekiln Farm, Kidsgrove, both pleaded guilty to failing to report cattle movements and the deaths of cattle.

Animal health officers said Oulton and Armstrong moved cattle on multiple dates throughout 2020, without completing the necessary records.

They each had cattle at Pear Tree Farm in Audley – which was previously farmed by Landy.

Landy had vacated the farm earlier in the year and had sold his cattle via three livestock markets across England and Wales, according to the council.

They said Landy gave false dates, and stated the animals had tested negative for bovine tuberculosis, when in fact the tests had never taken place.

Disease control restrictions were put in place at 11 farms as a result of the men's actions

At their sentencing on Thursday at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Landy was given a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay costs of £1,355.

He was also ordered to undertake 100 hours unpaid work and to pay 11 farmers £200 each in compensation for losses they had been exposed to as a result of his actions.

Oulton was sentenced to 48 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs.

He was also placed under a curfew for 26 weeks between the hours of 9pm and 5am.

Armstrong was sentenced to 58 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs.

Victoria Wilson, cabinet member with responsibility for trading standards, said: “Animal diseases such as bovine tuberculosis cost farmers and taxpayers huge amounts of money and can have a devastating effect on herds that have been built up over many generations.

“Landy’s actions were reckless and it is only right that those farmers affected by his decision to move cattle without the required tests are compensated."