Farmer accused of ‘abandoning 350 rotting carcasses’
A farmer has been accused of leaving the rotting carcasses of more than 350 animals lying on a Scottish estate.
John Ferguson, 50, is accused of leaving the dead animals at Creuchies Farm in Alyth, Perthshire, over a five-month period.
Mr Ferguson, who has a herd of 1,120 sheep, is facing three charges relating to the welfare of animals on his farm.
One charge alleges that he failed to remove in excess of 354 animal carcasses, having failed to provide adequate nutrition, a suitable diet or appropriate sheltered accommodation.
It is alleged that he failed to protect the animals from injury, suffering or disease by failing to get them treatment for liver fluke and failing to monitor the animals.
Mr Ferguson was not present at Perth Sheriff Court to hear the charges. The case was rescheduled for a further hearing without plea.