Dairy farmer banned from keeping livestock after confessing to animal cruelty
Martin Hambly sentenced and restricted from animal farming for five years
A dairy farmer in Cornwall has been prohibited from keeping farm animals following a prosecution for animal cruelty.
Martin John Charles Hambly, 52, from Liskeard admitted to 13 offences concerning his cattle at Trenant and Ley Farms, Menheniot, Liskeard.
The case was pursued by Cornwall Council after both the Council's officers and the Animal Plant and Health Agency found cattle in poor conditions despite prior advice.
In January 2024, officials visited Hambly's farms, observing multiple breaches of animal welfare laws. Hambly was cautioned but further inspections in 2025 revealed ongoing animal welfare concerns leading to legal action.
Hambly accepted guilt for numerous charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to a bovine, failure to provide necessary shelter and veterinary care, improper storage of animal by-products, and failure to register and tag calves adequately.
Sentenced at Truro Crown Court on 22nd May 2026, Hambly received an 18-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months. He is now barred from owning any farmed livestock for five years and must disperse his cattle within two months.
Additionally, Hambly was mandated to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and contribute ÂŁ10,000 towards legal costs alongside a ÂŁ26 surcharge.
Councillor Thalia Marrington, overseeing Community Safety and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, emphasised the seriousness of Hambly's neglect, stating, “Despite being given detailed advice regarding animal health and welfare requirements, Hambly failed to care for his animals properly. Where officers find repeated non-compliance, the Council will take action to protect animals from cruelty.”