Farmer cleared of 22 allegations of animal cruelty and related offences
February 22, 2019
Stuart Jessop recently represented a farmer and his two partners charged with various offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013, and the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007. The farmer had admitted two less serious charges in interview and was found guilty of these but acquitted in respect of the remaining 22 allegations contained within 12 charges.
Stuart represented all three defendants who were part of a partnership said to be running the farm and he had earlier argued that there was insufficient evidence against two of the defendants as they did not take an active part in the running of the farm at the time of the offence. The case against those two defendants was subsequently withdrawn before the close of the prosecution case.
