Howell George Jukes, of 44 Stansfield Street, Cwm, Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, appeared at Newport Magistrates court on 21st June 2017.
Mr Jukes owns a farm known as Hafod y Dafal, Cwm, Ebbw Vale. In November 2016 an officer from Powys County Council Trading Standards, acting on behalf of Blaenau Gwent attempted to visit the farm to do an annual inspection of livestock related records and to view livestock on the holding. Mr Jukes did not turn up to the farm for the visit. Mr Jukes was given a further three opportunities to provide the Local Authority Officer with his livestock related records and failed to do so on all three occasions.
Jukes was charged with three offences; one for failing to produce his animal records in respect of Sheep under the Sheep and Goats (Records, Identification & Movement)(Wales) Order 2015 and another two offences for failing to produce records that are required to be kept under The Cattle Identification (Wales) Regulations 2007.
Mr Jukes was given a suspended sentence for failure to dispose of Animal By Products in April 2016 which has not yet expired. Six months was added to the suspended sentence. In addition, Mr Jukes was fined £3000 for all offences. Victim surcharge £170 and a contribution to costs of £768.72.
Garth Collier, Executive Member for Environment, said:
“This conviction proves that breaking the law is not an option. It is essential for farmers to keep their livestock records up to date to ensure products entering the food chain are fully traceable and safe, and this conviction makes sure that continues to be the case.”