Farmers fined for administering illegal medicines to their animals

On 11 October 2005, at Hereford Magistrates' Court, Mr Alan Bengree and Mr Philip George Bengree, who farm in partnership at Blackpole Farm, Luston, Herefordshire and Manor Ground Farm, Orleton, Shropshire, both pleaded guilty to 2 offences involving administration of veterinary medicines under Regulations 3 and 7 of the Medicines (Restriction on the Administration of Veterinary Medicinal Products) Regulations 1994, and Mr Alan Bengree to a further charge of failing to keep records of administered veterinary medicines under Regulations 32 (1) of the Animals and Animal Products (Examination for Residues and Maximum Residue Limits) Regulations 1997.

Mr Alan Bengree was given a 12 month conditional discharge whilst Mr Philip George Bengree received a conditional discharge for a period of 6 months. Both were also ordered to pay costs of £500.

The case was part of a series of investigations by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) (an agency of Defra). Intelligence led Defra Investigation Officers to the above premises where medicines were seized as evidence of the administration of unauthorised veterinary medicines.

All veterinary medicines offered for sale or administered to animals in the UK are required to be authorised. Additionally medicines categorised as prescription only (POM) may only be sold by veterinary surgeons or registered pharmacists on receipt of a valid veterinary prescription. The medicine must be administered by the veterinary surgeon or under his direction.