Two Somerset women jailed and banned from keeping cattle after animal cruelty conviction

UNITED KINGDOM -- Two women from a Somerset farm were today (April 16) given prison sentences and were disqualified from keeping cattle for seven years after a heifer was left to suffer.

Bristol Magistrates’ Court sentenced Sally Ann Parfitt to 24 weeks imprisonment and Lucy Williamson to 20 weeks imprisonment.

In addition to the seven year disqualifications both defendants, of Thrupe Lane, Masbury, near Wells, were ordered to pay £3,000 in costs each.

The court heard that the Friesian type heifer was found collapsed in September 2012. She had been collapsed on the ground for at least a week after suffering complications related to calving and resulting internal injuries.

She was suffering from an advanced maggot infestation in the wound and had not received veterinary treatment.

Sadly, the cow had to be put to sleep to prevent her from suffering further.

RSPCA inspector Hayley Lawrence said: “Those responsible for animals have a duty to provide them with the right care and this includes veterinary treatment. All this cow needed was the right level of care and treatment from those who were supposed to know how to look after her but instead she was left in pain for some time.

“If there is a problem that means you can’t look after your animals, whether they’re farm or domestic animals, you need to seek help right away.”

(westerngazette.co.uk - April 17, 2014)