Neglectful farmer buried cow carcasses in manure

Inspectors found "emaciated and dehydrated" cows and 18 carcasses buried in manure heaps

A farmer who caused unnecessary suffering to his cattle, resulting in two dying and a further three being put down, hid the carcasses in manure, a court heard.

Daniel Jones, 30, of Bodafon y Glyn, Anglesey, was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, after admitting 13 charges, including causing suffering to cattle, failing to ensure the welfare of animals and not keeping proper records.

Vets and inspectors discovered cattle so ill they had to be put down and found more than 18 carcasses buried in manure heaps, Caernarfon Crown Court heard.

Four of Jones's dairy cows were found "emaciated and dehydrated" and were unable to stand, resulting in three being put down.

Judge Timothy Petts, described the events as a "serious case of prolonged neglect to scores of animals that sometimes led to their deaths".

On 13 January 2023, 84 calves were found without any access to water, leaving three needing treatment by a vet.

That same month, the bodies of "at least 18 cattle and calves and an unknown number of carcasses" were found buried in manure heaps and the old silage pit.

Judge Petts said Jones planned to "improve the farm but did it poorly. You should have sought help but buried your head in the sand".

He accepted Jones has since made significant investment in his farm and "positive changes" have been reported.

Speaking after his sentencing, held in Llandudno Magistrates' Court, Jones said he was "determined to continue to improve his farm moving forward".

He said he and his partner had been expecting a baby at the time and high overhead costs and the need to update the farm after taking it over from his grandfather in 2016 had created "a perfect storm".

Jones must now also complete 120 hours of unpaid work, a series of rehabilitation activities and pay £8,000 in prosecution costs.