FARMING
Livestock driver prosecuted and fined £3,000 for causing pain and suffering to a cow
A livestock driver has been successfully prosecuted by Gloucestershire County Council’s trading standards team and ordered to pay £3,000 in fines and costs for causing unnecessary pain and suffering to a cow. Nigel Stubbins appeared in Cheltenham Magistrates Court in December on two charges of unlawful handling of a dairy cow. The court also heard how he had earlier pleaded guilty to inappropriately transporting a horned bull in the same compartment as other cattle. A statement from Gloucestershire County Council said: “On Tuesday, November 13 2018, Mr Stubbins arrived at an abattoir at 9pm, outside of its normal operational hours, and proceeded to unload cattle. “CCTV footage showed that when he opened the lorry’s top rear compartment one of the cows was down and slid down the ramp. “Mr Stubbins then spent 45 minutes trying to get the cow to stand and walk into a pen, when it was obvious from the footage the cow couldn’t get up and remain on her feet. “He then tried various methods to get the cow to stand up including pulling her by the nose, using ropes to drag her round, and excessive use of an electric goad over a 30 minute period. “There are strict rules in place for the use of electric goads; they should not be used repeatedly when
animals fail to respond and when the cattle are unable to get up. “It is also specifically prohibited to lift or drag animals by the head, ears, horns, legs, tail or fleece, or handle them in such a way as to cause them unnecessary pain or suffering.” Mr Stubbins was fined £1,055 and ordered to pay £2,000 towards prosecution costs and a £155 victim surcharge. Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member responsible for trading standards at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “It is so essential to make sure that all animals are well looked after and transported in accordance with the rules. “In this case, Mr Stubbins has failed in his duty of care to the livestock under his control, leaving us with no option other than to prosecute. “Our trading standards team work hard to ensure the strict welfare standards for animals are followed at all times” l
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February 2020 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 77
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