Animal health officers in Wiltshire have issued the county’s first Animal Penalty Notices after an investigation found a cow had been transported while unfit to travel.
A local farmer has been fined a total of £840 for two separate breaches of welfare legislation. The penalties were issued following a report from an abattoir veterinarian who raised concerns about the condition of a cow arriving for slaughter. The vet believed the animal had been suffering from an untreated eye infection, possibly caused by a ruptured corneal ulcer, and concluded it should not have been transported.
Wiltshire Council officers said the farmer told investigators the abnormality had been present since purchasing the cow three months earlier and suggested it was a birth defect. However, the cow was deemed unfit for travel and the farmer received one penalty for transporting an injured animal and another for failing to obtain veterinary advice.
The haulier responsible for moving the animal was also issued with a £500 penalty. The haulier told officers they had not noticed the injury, which the vet described as significant. Both the farmer and the haulier cooperated fully with the investigation and paid their fines. Penalties are halved if settled within fourteen days. As APNs are not criminal convictions the council does not publish the identities of those involved.
Cllr Paul Sample, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: Cruelty to animals is not tolerated in Wiltshire. The welfare of animals during transport is a legal duty. Moving a cow that was clearly unfit to travel caused pain and distress to the animal. It also undermined the high standards upheld by responsible farmers across the County. We will continue to work closely with farmers and hauliers to ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations.
Residents who have concerns about the transport or treatment of animals can report them directly to the council’s Animal Health team.
*Library Photo - not actual animal involved.
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