A Welsh farmer is to pay more than £2,500 after being found guilty of nine offences involving animal welfare and the failure to properly dispose of carcasses.

Liam Hughes, 29, of Cefn Gwyn, Trawsynydd, farms on land at Bron Einion, Rhydymain near Dolgellau.

He was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to some of his sheep flock, failing to dispose of animal carcasses, and failing to comply with official notices issued by Gwynedd Council in relation to sheep scab.

The matters dated to back to early 2021.

Hughes had denied the charges brought by the council, but was found guilty at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court on May 19.

Evidence was presented in relation to the welfare of sheep, which had suffered unnecessarily, with their needs to be protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease being denied.

Evidence was also presented with respect to:

  • A failure to dispose of sheep carcasses.
  • A failure to notify the council of the treatment administered to sheep infected with sheep scab.
  • The removal of sheep from the holding that was subject to an isolation notice, running the risk of spreading that disease.

Magistrates issued guilty verdicts against Hughes, who was ordered to complete 150 hours’ community service within 12 months.

He was also fined £500, and was ordered to pay the council £2,000.

Hughes must also pay a £95 victim surcharge, making a total payment of £2,595.

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Cllr Dafydd Meurig, Gwynedd Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Our Trading Standards officers actively work closely with the farming community, through advice and intervention, to ensure high standards of animal health and welfare are achieved.

“I wish to stress that the vast majority of farms in Gwynedd provide these expected standards, and most farmers go above and beyond to ensure the welfare of their animals.

“However, where there is non-compliance – as in this particular case – the council has no choice but to take the necessary enforcement action.

“I would like to thank the officers for their work on what can be sad and distressing circumstances, and to the magistrates for their professionalism in dealing with this case.”