A FARMER has been sentenced for causing unnecessary harm to his poultry.

His conviction comes following an investigation by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Shropshire Trading Standards.

Paul Hotchkiss of Gilberries Lane, Church Stretton, was sentenced by magistrates in Telford in June after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

The court imposed a community order with 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £5,782.18 and a victim surcharge of £95.

The court heard that the Food Standards Agency had reported in 2021 that severe pododermatitis, an inflammatory foot condition, was found in 90 to 100 per cent of his chickens on arrival at a slaughterhouse.

APHA inspectors and Shropshire Trading standards visited the farm and despite advice from both APHA and the private vet, there was limited improvement in subsequent flocks of birds.

Farm investigations and an export report were provided by to the court by APHA.

Aled Edwards, head of Field Delivery England, Animal and Plant Health Agency said: “APHA takes potential breaches of animal welfare legislation very seriously and investigates all allegations.

“This case demonstrates our robust enforcement approach and the effective collaboration between ourselves and local authorities. I welcome this sentence from the court and hope it will act as a reminder to others, that animal welfare is of paramount importance.”

Every poultry farm, regardless of scale, must comply with all relevant legislation, including comprehensive environmental and animal welfare rules.

Anyone who has serious concerns about the welfare of poultry is always urged to report issues immediately to the APHA so that urgent action can be taken by telephoning 03000 200 301 or emailing customeradvice@apha.gov.uk.