Cambridgeshire man banned from keeping animals for life after failing to look after pigs

Christopher Holt, (71), of Natures Farm, Ellington was found guilty on January 14 following a trial at Peterborough Magistrates Court. He was found guilty of four offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for failing to provide a suitable environment for his pigs, failing to give the pigs’ access to a well-drained lying area and failure to provide a sufficient quantity of fresh drinking water.

Last week (Wednesday 5 February), he was disqualified from keeping livestock for life, sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months and to pay £5000 towards court costs.

Trading Standards officers made numerous inspections at Nature’s Farm, Cambridgeshire and issued improvement notices advising for changes to be made to the environment the pigs were being held in. Despite the advice offered problems persisted.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Head of Trading Standards Peter Gell said: “We are very pleased with the result and welcome the order banning Mr Holt from keeping animals. My officers repeatedly gave advice and carried out inspections at Mr Holt’s farm and he failed to adequately look after the animals in his care.

“We hope this sends a clear message that anyone keeping livestock has a duty to look after them and, while we try to help and give advice, we will take those who fail in their duty of care to court.”

If anyone has concerns regarding the welfare of farm animals, they should contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.