Welsh farmer, 85, sentenced after she ‘failed miserably’ to care for her livestock
8th October 2024
An 85-year-old Welsh farmer has been handed a suspended sentence following charges relating to causing unnecessary suffering to sheep and cattle, with some “being eaten live by flies”.
Martha Heulwen Davies pleaded guilty to several offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
She received a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, and can never own or keep livestock again.
The defendant was also told to pay £1,600 costs and a £154 surcharge.
The sentencing comes after dozens of animals were found in appalling conditions at Moelpart Farm, near Llangadfan, between August 2023 and January 2024.
Ms Davies had previously admitted to seven charges relating to causing unnecessary suffering to sheep and cattle before her sentencing at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 25th September.
Mix of circumstances
The court was told that the farmer “failed miserably” to care properly for livestock and seemed to be “in total denial” about the health of her animals, media reported.
Reshmi Mukherjee, prosecuting the case on behalf of Powys County Council (PCC), said: “These are severe offences and grave circumstances, which led to animals being euthanised.
“Some were being eaten alive by flies. She does not have the mental capacity to function day to day.”
The council’s trading standards department reported possible animal health breaches at the farm in July 2023.
During Ms Davies’ initial appearance at court in August, Ms Mukherjee said that the livestock owned by the farmer were malnourished and had “raw skin and maggot infestations”.
Agencies have tried to work with the defendant to address animal welfare issues, but she has a history of non-compliance dating back to 2012.
Gurleen Kaur, defending Ms Davies, said her client had farmed her entire life. She added that her client had been down to a mix of the pandemic, personal circumstances and financial strains.
Ms Kaur said: “She appreciates her limitations and her inability to run the farm to previous standards, and she has sought to reduce her stock.
“I would ask for a disqualification order, if imposed, to only include the livestock, so that she can keep her dogs and puppies.”
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