Smallholder who kept animals in poor conditions in Cornwall is prosecuted
John Ingham, 63, pleaded guilty to five charges of animal neglect at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.
Last updated 11th Feb 2025
A smallholder who neglected his animals has been ordered to pay £2,456 in fines and costs after being prosecuted by Cornwall Council.
On February 6, 2025, John Ingham, 63, pleaded guilty to five charges of animal neglect at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.
Officers from Cornwall Council and DEFRA first visited the smallholding in Trebrownbridge, Liskeard, in 2021. They found thin goats, sheep and pigs. The pigs had no dry lying area and the animals has access to scrap, broken glass and other items that could have injured them. Following advice from Cornwall Council, Ingham made improvements and he was subsequently given a formal warning.
When officers returned in March 2024, they discovered appalling conditions.
The court heard Ingham had neglected his animals by failing to provide bedding, food and fresh water. He kept them in hazardous conditions by allowing them access to broken glass, broken metal with sharp edges, wood with protruding nails and live electric cables.
In sentencing, Ingham was fined £1,040, ordered to pay a surcharge of £416 and contribute £1,000 to towards the Council’s costs.
Jane Tomlinson, a Group Leader for Cornwall Trading Standards, said: “In 2021 Mr Ingham was given detailed advice and improved the conditions at his smallholding. He was therefore given a warning at that time. However, by the winter of 2024 standards had once again slipped and the animals were being neglected so we brought the case to court.”
Councillor Martyn Alvey, the portfolio holder responsible for enforcement at Cornwall Council, said: “Where officers find repeated non-compliance or a complete disregard for farm animal welfare, the Council will take formal action to protect animals from cruelty and the reputation of the Cornish farming industry.
“This man kept his animals in appalling conditions and that is totally unacceptable.
“We urge all smallholders to understand the needs of animals before buying them.”
Officers from Cornwall Council will revisit the smallholding to ensure Ingham makes the necessary improvements. Should he fail to do so, appropriate enforcement action will be taken.