CONVICTED (2022) | farmer Richard Scarfe, born 9 February 1981, of Park Street, Pembroke Dock SA72 – convicted of numerous charges relating to animal welfare and farm practice violations.
Scarfe left pigs, goats, donkeys, bovines and sheep in wretched conditions and often without clean drinking water or food. Scarfe is the owner of four-acre site Highland View Fold, The Ridgway, Lamphey, where the offences took place. The premises also operates as a holiday campsite.
The offences occurred between 2019 and 2021. During this period animal welfare inspectors from the local authority, police officers and, on occasion, Animal and Plant Health Agency officials, made repeated visits to the site and warned Scarfe about the condition of his animals.
Pembrokeshire County Council bought the case to court after describing what they witness on the farm, pigs lying in muddy pens, four animal carcasses found in fields, soiled bedding, dirty water.
On March 4, 2021, there was a plan to seize animals, but this was scuppered when Scarfe sent out a message on Facebook telling people that his animals were going to be taken for no reason.
Eventually 30 to 40 people showed up on the farm and blocked police attempts to seize the animals.
Scarfe, who had eight years’ experience of livestock management after working in asbestos removal, claimed he was being harassed by inspectors.
His defence solicitor said her client loved the animals and did his best for them.
She gave a defence answer for each claim, saying the dead animals found in the field were left there temporarily due to being unable to be moved because of a broken tractor.
On pigs being hungry, she claimed the pigs were only needed to be fed once a day.
Water troughs being dirty was because the water was caught off the roof and had a muddied appearance.
Scarfe pleaded guilty to the images shown in court however, said he had changed his working practices and improved the conditions.
District Judge Christopher James was left shocked animals were left in Scarfe’s care.
He said: “I have seen in the report that you think you have not done anything wrong and you were advised to plead guilty, which shows contempt and arrogance.
“[These offences] are partly motivated commercially and partly by you wanting to provide for your family.
“I note that there has been points of incompetence rather than neglect. Nevertheless the number of animals involved and the images seen are particularly serious.”
The judge added that Scarfe “had numerous opportunities throughout this time to address” the issues.
He continued: “It is clear that the greater harm category is met, given that there have been a number of deaths to animals and a high level of suffering caused over a sustained period.
“The level of suffering over an elongated period where you thought you were doing your best is simply not good enough.
“It is clear you do not have the means or experience to meet the minimum standards expected of animals in your care. I am surprised animals were left with you.”
Sentencing: 17 prison sentences to run concurrent at a total of 14 weeks, suspended for two years; 240 hours of unpaid work. Disqualified from owning livestock or participating in keeping them for five years in respect to goats, donkeys, bovines, sheep and pigs.
Update | April 2023
The Western Telegraph reported that nearly 100 animals were seized from a farm at the Ridgeway, Lamphey, Pembrokeshire due to concerns over animal welfare, A man believed to Richard Scarfe was arrested.
Dyfed-Powys Police, the RSPCA, and inspectors from Pembrokeshire’s animal health and welfare team were called to the scene on Tuesday, April 18. 2023.
In total, 94 animals were removed: one cow, five dogs, 19 various poultry, 26 sheep and 43 pigs.
Animal health officers from Pembrokeshire County Council visited the land, and acted after vets issued a Section 18 determination – meaning the animals were suffering or were likely to suffer if they were not removed.
All of the animals were taken to safety where their veterinary needs were assessed and their care be monitored.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that a man was arrested on suspicion of breaching a disqualification order which had been made under the Animal Welfare Act.
A spokesperson for the force said: “On Tuesday, April 18, Dyfed-Powys Police Rural Crime Team Officers assisted RSPCA, Pembrokeshire Animal Health and Welfare Inspectors with the seizure of a number of animals at an address in Lamphey, Pembrokeshire.
“A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of breaching a disqualification order under the Animal Welfare Act.
“He has since been released under investigation.”
A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson said that further proceedings will now follow.
Cllr Michelle Bateman, cabinet member for housing operations and regulatory services, said: “I commend the actions of council officers and partners to remove these animals, prevent suffering and protect their welfare.
“I hope this action will serve as a deterrent to others that Pembrokeshire County Council will act decisively where serious cases of animal neglect and suffering arise.”