Farmer guilty of 'shocking' cruelty

UNITED KINGDOM -- A BUXTED pensioner has been given a suspended jail term after she was exposed as being behind several incidents of 'shocking' animal cruelty.

Clare Cotton has been banned for life from keeping goats, cows, sheep and pigs after being convicted of six offences under animal welfare legislation following an investigation by East Sussex Trading Standards.

Clare Cotton, 79 in Limes Lane, Buxted, pictured in 2003

 

It related to incidents at the 79-year-old's farm in Limes Lane in Buxted.

One goat was found in such a poor state that it had to be put down. Investigators also found an emaciated bull and a pig left without fresh water and dry bedding and suffering from an untreated case of the skin condition mange.

Cotton entered a last-minute guilty plea and was sentenced at Brighton Magistrates' Court last Tuesday.

The charges included causing unnecessary suffering to a pig and a goat, and failing to take all steps to ensure the needs of a bull and a pig were met.

She received a four-month prison sentence, suspended for six months, and was banned for life from keeping goats, cows, sheep and pigs.

Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council lead member for economy, said: "Anyone who keeps animals has a legal and moral duty to properly look after them and this was clearly not happening in this case. Our officers were shocked by the terrible state in which these creatures were found and I'm sure the general public will be equally appalled.

"This individual was offered advice and guidance on how to improve conditions for these animals on numerous occasions but failed to take action, leaving us with no choice but to prosecute. I'd like to pay tribute to Trading Standards officers for their work in what were at times difficult and challenging circumstances."

In addition to her suspended prison sentence, Brighton magistrates also ordered Cotton to pay £150 in court costs and an £80 victim surcharge. The lifetime ban on keeping goats and sheep was suspended for three months to allow the defendant time to arrange for the rehoming of the remaining six goats and eight sheep she still owns, which were found to be in an acceptable condition.

The mange-ridden pig and under-nourished bull have now been returned to good health and are at an animal sanctuary.

(Kent and Sussex Courier - Feb 13, 2015)