Help Animals Reportedly Living in Hazardous, Filthy Conditions on Small Farm

Target: Stephanie Martin, Senior Trading Standards Officer, Cornwall Council

Goal: Ensure appropriate penalties for those accused of failing to provide basic care for their animals.

A recent case involving Paul Ford and Rebecca Austin, smallholders from Little Chacewood Farm, seemingly highlights a shocking failure to uphold animal welfare standards. They have been banned from keeping farm animals for five years and ordered to pay over £11,000 due to serious allegations of animal cruelty involving neglect of poultry and pigs. Evidence presented in court disclosed an alleged history of disregarded advice from Cornwall Council’s animal health and environmental health teams, with the couple leaving their animals in deplorable and hazardous conditions devoid of proper bedding, fresh water, or safe environments.

Court proceedings revealed that Ford and Austin’s smallholding was reportedly littered with scrap metal, old machinery, and live electrical wires—creating a perilous environment for the animals in their care. Furthermore, they allegedly failed to handle poultry slaughter waste appropriately and did not effectively manage a significant rat infestation, which poses additional health risks.

Strong action must be taken to prevent such appalling disregard for animal welfare from occurring. It is essential that enforcement agencies adopt stricter measures to ensure compliance with animal care standards, particularly in the face of repeated neglect. The demand is clear: we must support efforts to implement appropriate penalties for individuals who allegedly neglect their livestock and hold them accountable under stricter enforcement of animal welfare regulations.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Ms. Martin,

The distressing case involving Paul Ford and Rebecca Austin from Little Chacewood Farm has raised alarming concerns about animal welfare standards in our community. These individuals have reportedly demonstrated a blatant disregard for the well-being of their animals, leading to neglectful living conditions and severe health risks, thereby warranting decisive action. The animals under their care were allegedly denied basic necessities such as proper bedding and fresh water, and subjected to hazardous environments with dangerous debris including live electrical wires and old machinery.

Despite repeated guidance and recommendations from Cornwall Council’s animal health and environmental health teams, Ford and Austin reportedly ignored this crucial advice, allowing the situation to escalate unchecked. It appears their failure to manage poultry slaughter waste properly further compounded the risks to both animal and public health, showcasing an urgent need for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws. It is imperative that measures are taken to ensure accountability and prevent similar instances of neglect.

Thus, we implore you to advocate for the enforcement of appropriate penalties against those who allegedly commit such acts of animal cruelty. Stricter oversight, regulatory action, and tougher penalties are necessary to dissuade future negligence and protect the welfare of animals within our community. Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue, and for your commitment to safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable animals.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

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