Lincolnshire farmer guilty of failing to care for pigs

Mr Haynes was convicted of the eight charges after inspectors found pigs on his farm suffering from untreated wounds
Mr Haynes was convicted of the eight charges after inspectors found pigs on his farm suffering from untreated wounds

A Lincolnshire farmer has been found guilty of eight offences relating to the welfare of his pigs.

Mark Haynes (53) from Donington near Spalding, was convicted of the eight charges after inspectors found pigs on his farm suffering from untreated wounds. The inspectors were forced to euthanise a number of animals in the worst conditions.

The charges followed an animal welfare investigation by Lincolnshire Trading Standards which ran between May 2015 and February 2016.

Ian Newell, of Lincolnshire Trading Standards, said described the case as 'shocking'.

He said: “During our investigation we found that Mr Haynes was keeping pigs in inadequate conditions, with poorly maintained buildings and an inadequate regime for feeding and watering.

“Some also had bad wounds and other ailments that had not been adequately treated and would have caused considerable pain, distress and unnecessary suffering to the animals.

“Despite our officers making attempts to provide support and advice over many months, subsequent visits showed that no improvements had been made.”

“This culminated with a visit on October 20, 2015 with an APHA Veterinary Inspector, where five pigs were found to be suffering serious wounds, including one with chronic injuries to the hind leg and chest, and another which could not bear its weight on its hind legs. It was necessary to euthanise them immediately.

“Despite the guilty verdict, the judge decided to defer sentencing for six months, during which time Mr Haynes has the opportunity to improve the conditions on his farm. We will be closely monitoring the situation, and will offer Mr Haynes further support and advice in a bid to prevent further animals suffering.”