Sheffield farmer fined for failing to keep animal records

John Dyson, of Greaves Lane, Stannington, was fined £250, ordered to pay £280 costs for five offences.

CRIME: Bogus police officer hunted over spate of burglaries in SheffieldSheffield magistrates heard that the farmer had been prosecuted for the same offences in 2014 and 2015.

POLICE: Class A drugs found during police raid in SheffieldFarmers are required to keep records of animal movements on and off their premises for disease control purposes.

Records of any animals dying on the farm also have to be kept to ensure carcasses are disposed of correctly.

In July 2017 Sheffield’s animal Health inspector raised concerns that despite repeatedly asking Mr Dyson to produce records, he failed to do so.

He also failed to turn up for an appointment to explain his actions.

Ian Ashmore, Head of Environmental Regulation at Sheffield City Council, said: "The council takes its duties regarding animal health extremely seriously.

"The National Audit Office report on the handling of the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak showed that the outbreak cost the public sector over £3 billion and the private sector more than £5 billion.

"Cases like this, where the health of animals and people are put at risk just because the correct forms haven’t been completed have to be tackled, as these records are an essential part of disease prevention and control.

"We are pleased that the courts view these offences as seriously as we do, and we will not hesitate to take proceedings on animal welfare cases where the council has a statutory responsibility."