Ban from keeping animals for small-scale broiler farmer
A small-scale broiler farmer has been handed a 10-year ban on keeping poultry, after Trading Standards found birds kept in squalid conditions with no access to food or water.
Robert Power, 75, of Ramsden Heath, Witney, was investigated by Oxfordshire Trading Standards following a complaint.
On attending the site, an animal health inspector and a vet found endemic pododermatitis and birds with poor feather cover. It is understood that Mr Power grew around 300 chickens for meat.
He was also charged with failing to dispose of birds correctly, after inspectors found dead birds not fit for human consumption in a freezer.
Mr Power pleaded guilty to seven offences, three under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and was disqualified from keeping poultry for 10 years, as well as receiving three years conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay costs of £1,120 at Banbury Magistrates’ Court.
Oxfordshire councillor Louise Chapman, cabinet member for policy co-ordination, said that the farmer had disregarded help and assistance surrounding the welfare of the birds.
“Mr Power betrayed his duty towards his own animals and has been banned from keeping poultry, which I hope sends out a message that causing unnecessary suffering to animals in your care is unacceptable.”