Farmer prosecuted for serious animal welfare offences
A Vale of Glamorgan farmer has been convicted of serious animal welfare offences following a prosecution brought by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS).
SRS carries out trading standards, licensing, health and safety, animal welfare and other work in the Vale, Cardiff and Bridgend Local Authority areas.
In October last year, officers from SRS and colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) attended Groes Farm in Southerndown, operated by Luke Morgan, in response to concerns about the condition of sheep.
During the inspection, officers discovered a number of serious welfare issues. A sheep with a significant eye injury was found unable to stand and suffering in a field where 15 sheep carcasses were also located in varying stages of decomposition.
Officers also found another sheep trapped in brambles which required immediate rescue. Further sheep within the flock showed signs of poor condition, including wool loss, scratching and evidence of ill health.
Investigators also identified widespread animal by-product issues, with carcasses, bones and body parts present across the grazing land.
Mr Morgan was unable to provide medicine records during the inspection and acknowledged that he had not checked the sheep for approximately a week.
As a result of the findings, formal notices were served under both animal welfare and animal by-product legislation, requiring immediate action.
Follow-up visits were undertaken by officers throughout November 2025, during which improvements were noted. Mr Morgan moved the affected flock closer to the farmyard for monitoring, obtained veterinary advice, carried out treatment for a significant worm burden, updated medicine records and complied with the requirements of the notices served.
Despite those improvements, SRS determined that enforcement action was appropriate given the seriousness of the offences identified during the original inspection.
Mr Morgan was subsequently interviewed under caution and the matter was referred for prosecution.
At court, it was argued that the case involved a prolonged failure to safeguard animal welfare, evidenced by the number of sheep carcasses present and the varying degrees of decomposition found across the field. While the court heard that Mr Morgan had cooperated with the investigation, shown remorse and had no previous convictions, magistrates were clear about the seriousness of the offending.
In passing sentence, the court described the case as "the worst case of animal neglect" the bench had encountered and stated that, as a farmer, Mr Morgan "should be ashamed".
Mr Morgan was sentenced to 24 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to pay £5,000 towards prosecution costs together with a £154 victim surcharge.
Cllr Ruba Sivagnanam, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Equalities and Regulatory Services, said: "Farmers and livestock keepers have a legal duty to ensure that the welfare needs of animals in their care are met at all times.
“The conditions encountered by officers at Groes Farm were deeply concerning and resulted in unnecessary suffering. While we acknowledge that Mr Morgan subsequently cooperated with officers and took steps to improve conditions, the seriousness of the offences identified meant that prosecution action was both necessary and proportionate.
“This case demonstrates that SRS will not hesitate to take enforcement action where significant animal welfare failings are found and where animals are allowed to suffer unnecessarily."
SRS works closely with partner agencies, including APHA, to investigate reports of animal neglect and to ensure that appropriate action is taken to protect livestock and uphold animal welfare standards across the region.
Officers from Shared Regulatory Services will investigate any reported instances of this nature concerning livestock farms or at licensed premises for animal activities.
To report an issue please contact SRS by telephone on 0300 123 6696, by post at Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry, CF63 4RU, or via the online contact form available on the Shared Regulatory Services website.
To report welfare issues relating to domestic and wild animals please contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8960.