CONVICTED (2019) | Stephen Hitchcock, born c. 1984, and sister Susan Hitchcock, born c. 1981, both of Slades Farm, Whitewells Lane, Belper DE56 2DN – for the ill-treatment of cattle on their farm
Stephen and Susan Hitchcock admitted to failing to protect animals from pain and suffering and not following strict regulations on disposing of dead livestock at their farm.
Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court heard how the siblings had taken on the farm from their father, who died in 2011.
The court heard how officials visited the farm on May 14, 2018, and the site was described to have some “500 cattle and 400 sheep”.
During their visit they found piles of decomposing carcasses in different areas of the farm and the remains of a bonfire that had “bones and other materials”.
Will Douglas-Jones, prosecuting said they also found two cows tied by the neck to a wall.
He said: “The chain was short and restricted normal movement.
“When provided with water they drank heavily and for an extensive period. They found the remains of a bonfire with bones, wood and other material.”
The court heard that on their initial arrival they found 20 sheep that were in “good condition”.
Mr Douglas-Jones said that during the inspection, Susan Hitchcock claimed she had been “unable to cope” and had told Stephen on “numerous occasions”.
The pair had also pleaded guilty to not protecting a cow laid in a field from pain and suffering before it died.
The court heard how the inspectors returned the following days where improvements had been made.
They returned again, on May 31, 2018, and there were “no further welfare issues”.
Sentencing: eight-week prison sentence suspended for two years. They were each told to pay costs of £3,716.75 and a £115 victim surcharge