An Anglesey farmer has been sentenced with a 12-month suspended prison term after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to cattle on his farm. Daniel Jones, aged 30, from Bodafon y Glyn in Llanerchymedd, Anglesey, was found to have several dead cattle and calves on his property, with others in such poor condition that they had to be euthanised due to severe emaciation and dehydration.
The prosecution was brought forth by the Isle of Anglesey County Council following investigations by the Animal Health team. Mr. Jones pleaded guilty to various charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to cattle, failing to dispose of animal by-products properly, neglecting to identify cattle, and not keeping proper veterinary medicine records. These offences occurred between January 2023 and April 2024.
At Caernarfon Crown Court, Mr. Jones received the suspended prison sentence along with a requirement to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and participate in a 16-month rehabilitation programme. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £8,000 in costs to the County Council. The court highlighted the seriousness of Mr. Jones’s actions in failing to maintain adequate standards of care for his livestock.
Councillor Nicola Roberts, the public protection portfolio holder for Anglesey, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing that such acts of animal cruelty would not be tolerated. She commended the efforts of the Animal Health officers and underscored the importance of upholding standards for food chain integrity and safety.
The prosecution also recognised the support received from the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) veterinary colleagues during the investigation. The council’s commitment to safeguarding animal welfare and enforcing regulations to prevent animal cruelty was reiterated as a crucial aspect of ensuring accountability within the farming community.