A Trecastle farmer has been ordered to pay more than £1,300 for failing to dispose of 17 sheep carcasses correctly.

Terry Martin Griffiths of Cartref, Trecastle, Brecon, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 2014 at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court.

Griffiths appeared in court on Wednesday, July 19, where he was prosecuted by the county council's Animal Health Team.

Griffiths was fined £340 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000 and a £34 victim surcharge.

The court heard that in December 2021, animal health officers visited Cartref and found 11 sheep carcasses that had not been disposed of correctly. Less than three months later, another six sheep carcasses were found that had also not been disposed of correctly.

Cllr Richard Church, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “Not disposing of livestock carcasses is a serious issue. Not only does it pose a real risk of disease, but it also damages the reputation of the farming community.

“Farmers are advised that it is a requirement of the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 2014 that all carcasses are collected, transported and disposed of in an approved manner.

“The law is clear and necessary to control the spread of disease to other animals and to protect the human food chain. Breaching these requirements poses a threat to both animal and human health.

“This case should serve as a reminder to the farming community in Powys to dispose of animal carcasses in the correct manner.

“If farmers do not follow these regulations, then we will investigate and take the appropriate action.”

For advice on animal welfare, keeping farmed animals or to report a problem, please visit the council’s website.