AN 85-year-old woman “failed miserably” to care properly for animals at her Powys farm, a court has heard this week.

Martha Heulwen Davies, who farms just outside Foel, near Llangadfan, entered guilty pleas to seven charges relating to causing unnecessary suffering to sheep and cattle at the farm.

Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday, August 28, that Davies seemed to be “in total denial” about the health of her animals, with some "left to die".

The offences occurred between August 2023 and January 2024 and involved cattle and at least 90 sheep.

Reshmi Mukherjee, prosecuting the case on behalf of Powys County Council (PCC), said Davies has a history of non-compliance and had been visited on multiple occasions by various agencies in relation to the health of her animals.

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She said the council’s trading standards department received photographic evidence of possible animal health breaches at the farm in July 2023.

“Animals were discovered to have raw skin and maggot infestations, there was malnourished stock present,” said Ms Mukherjee.

“She has a farm hand who helps her but he has health issues. The farm covers 80 hectares of land and is prone to flooding. It is low-lying land becomes very boggy in winter. Sheep often get tangled in brambles, while fences and gates are broke, and sheep often escape.

“The farm and buildings are in a dilapidated state, which provides a danger to herself and her livestock.

“Mud and slurry cover the yard, it is unsafe to walk in many areas. Agencies have tried to work with the defendant to address the animal welfare issues over a period of time, but she has a history of non-compliance dating back to 2012."

She added that her own vet "no longer supports her and has reported her for violations”.

She said her Moelpart farm had been home to 55 cattle and 100 sheep.

“One male sheep was so badly affected it was put down,” added Ms Mukherjee.

“Sheep were denied access to water. Two sheep had been left to die, without feed, water, bedding or shelter. They were put down immediately. Eleven other sheep were malnourished.

“These issues should and would have been obvious to any competent farmer. Ms Davies failed miserably in her duty to her animals.

“She has repeatedly challenged the findings of the local authority and surgeons and seems to be in total denial.

“She is also being monitored by the RSPCA. These are grave circumstances. I would ask the court to consider banning the defendant from keeping animals.”

Gurleen Kaur, defending Davies, said she had farmed her “entire life”.

“She has extensive experience. Unfortunately, over the last few years, her standards have deteriorated,” said Ms Kaur.

“There was Covid, which was unprecedented, and she’s had to rely on contractors, some of whom have let her down. One shearer she had relied on said he was too busy to help her.

​“She has sought veterinary help, who have offered advice, and she has acted on that. Sheep and cattle were given maggot oil and (other medication),

“There was no deliberate or intentional suffering caused. She was doing what she thought was appropriate, although she accepts she should have sought further advice and taken further action."

Ms Kaur added: “She has suffered quite significantly with her mental health over the last few years.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until September 25 and asked for a pre-sentence report to be conducted.