CONVICTED (2021) | Charles Dowdeswell Parry, born c. 1969, of Ashminton Farm, Stonehouse Lane, Bringsty, Bromyard WR6 5TF and previously of Riverlands Farm, Teme Lane, Leigh, Worcestershire – committed multiple animal welfare offences
In a case brought by Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards Animal Health team, Parry was sent to prison for 32 weeks and had an existing 10-year ban from keeping livestock increased to a lifetime ban.
After being tipped off, Animal Health officers found a calf collapsed in thigh deep mud with muddy water running out of his nostrils. An Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) veterinary inspector concluded that the calf was suffering and beyond any veterinary help, meaning he had to be euthanised where he lay.
The veterinary officer stated in court that during 29 years in his role, this had been a particularly extreme, harrowing and distressing experience to deal with.
A further 50 cattle were seized as they were being kept in an unsuitable environment and had an inadequate diet.
Animal Health officers from both Herefordshire and Worcestershire councils along with veterinary officers from the APHA also found a sheep carcass in a decomposed state and over 60 sheep being kept in such a way that they were exposed to pain, suffering and disease.
David Hough, Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards Service Manager, said: “This is the worst case of animal suffering we remember the team having to deal with. The unfortunate calf had been slowly drowning in the mud and the other cattle were up to their bellies in mud with limited food and water. The complete lack of correct care and treatment of the cattle and sheep was deplorable.”
Although Officers located the cattle passports, Parry denied owning the cattle and sheep and gave names of two people who he claimed owned the animals. He went so far as to leave a telephone message with one of the individuals asking them to corroborate his lies.
In a previous case taken by Herefordshire council Mr Parry was disqualified from keeping all animals except his dog for 10 years after allowing livestock, including 50 calves, to suffer and failing to correctly store and dispose of large amounts of dead stock. Parry was required by the court to transfer ownership of all his livestock, which he failed to do.
Parry was found guilty of breaching a previous 10 year disqualification order imposed on him in November 2019, six new animal welfare offences, and two animal by-products offences .
Sentencing: 32 weeks’ immediate imprisonment; total of £5122 in costs and charges. Disqualified for life from keeping all animals except a dog.
Source: County Times (article removed).