Norfolk farm worker banned from keeping animals over cruelty charges
The former stockman receives a suspended sentence for animal welfare offences
A former stockman has been banned from owning, keeping, or being involved in keeping farm animals for 10 years following animal welfare offences at a Norfolk pig farm.
Steven Woolger, from Great Yarmouth, was sentenced to 17 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months, at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 5th August.
He had previously pleaded guilty on 16th June to eight offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Woolger's charges stem from incidents in 2024 while he was working at a boar stud farm in Burgh Castle, Norfolk, including causing pigs unnecessary suffering and failing to protect them from pain, suffering, and injury.
The investigation was initiated after hidden camera footage, provided by an animal rights organization, captured Woolger kicking pigs and striking them with a pitchfork and a plastic pipe, leading Norfolk County Council’s Trading Standards to pursue prosecution.
The court additionally imposed a £1,500 cost and a £154 victim surcharge alongside the 10-year disqualification.
Cllr Scott Hussey, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health at Norfolk County Council, commended the Trading Standards team, stating, "Cruelty to animals, including farm animals, will not be tolerated. This prosecution demonstrates that we will take action when there is evidence that animal welfare laws have been broken."