Dedication of Animal Health Team commended after conclusion of complex court case
The efforts of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Animal Health Team have been highlighted following the conclusion of a long-running and complex animal welfare case.
Richard Scarfe of Park Street, Pembroke Dock, and Brogan Scarfe of Woodbine Terrace, Pembroke, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday May 12th for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The father and daughter admitted causing unnecessary suffering to pigs, sheep, poultry and dogs, between 25th January 2022 and 18th April 2023.
Richard Scarfe had previously been disqualified from keeping animals.
HHJ Catherine Richards sentenced Richard Scarfe to imprisonment for 11 months.
The breach of the disqualification meant the starting point was immediate custody, however the judge was concerned about the impact of the sentence on others dependent on him and therefore this was suspended for 12 months.
Richard Scarfe also received a lifetime disqualification from owning and keeping animals, participating in the keeping of animals and being party under an arrangement of which he is entitled to control or influence the way in which animals are kept.
This disqualification covers all animals and is to remain in force for life with no application to terminate for 10 years.
Richard Scarfe was also ordered to complete 200 hours unpaid work, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement.
Brogan Scarfe received a disqualification from owning animals limited to pigs, sheep, bovines, avians and dogs. She must not keep the animals as listed, participate in the keeping of animals as listed or be party under an arrangement of which she is entitled to control or influence the way in which animals are kept.
This disqualification is to remain in force for five years with no application to terminate for three years.
Brogan Scarfe was also sentenced to a Community Order for 12 months, with 100 hours unpaid work.
Following the conclusion of the case, Cllr Jacob Williams, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, said: “The animal health team provides support and advice to farmers in order to ensure legal compliance, and at the beginning of this case, guidance was offered. However, repeated breaches left the council no option but to take formal action to secure the animals’ welfare.
“Veterinary surgeons were consulted for their expert opinion, who certified that the animals were suffering, and issued a certificate allowing for the animals to be seized for their protection under section 18 of the Animal Health Act 2006.
“This has been a prolonged and complex case, with civil and criminal proceedings running concurrently. Animals are a very strong and proud feature of Pembrokeshire life, and the council’s animal health and welfare officers deserve great credit for their commitment to securing animal safety and in bringing this sad case to a conclusion.”
Dedication of Animal Health Team commended after conclusion of complex court case
The efforts of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Animal Health Team have been highlighted following the conclusion of a long-running and complex animal welfare case.
Richard Scarfe of Park Street, Pembroke Dock, and Brogan Scarfe of Woodbine Terrace, Pembroke, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday May 12th for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The father and daughter admitted causing unnecessary suffering to pigs, sheep, poultry and dogs, between 25th January 2022 and 18th April 2023.
Richard Scarfe had previously been disqualified from keeping animals.
HHJ Catherine Richards sentenced Richard Scarfe to imprisonment for 11 months.
The breach of the disqualification meant the starting point was immediate custody, however the judge was concerned about the impact of the sentence on others dependent on him and therefore this was suspended for 12 months.
Richard Scarfe also received a lifetime disqualification from owning and keeping animals, participating in the keeping of animals and being party under an arrangement of which he is entitled to control or influence the way in which animals are kept.
This disqualification covers all animals and is to remain in force for life with no application to terminate for 10 years.
Richard Scarfe was also ordered to complete 200 hours unpaid work, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement.
Brogan Scarfe received a disqualification from owning animals limited to pigs, sheep, bovines, avians and dogs. She must not keep the animals as listed, participate in the keeping of animals as listed or be party under an arrangement of which she is entitled to control or influence the way in which animals are kept.
This disqualification is to remain in force for five years with no application to terminate for three years.
Brogan Scarfe was also sentenced to a Community Order for 12 months, with 100 hours unpaid work.
Following the conclusion of the case, Cllr Jacob Williams, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, said: “The animal health team provides support and advice to farmers in order to ensure legal compliance, and at the beginning of this case, guidance was offered. However, repeated breaches left the council no option but to take formal action to secure the animals’ welfare.
“Veterinary surgeons were consulted for their expert opinion, who certified that the animals were suffering, and issued a certificate allowing for the animals to be seized for their protection under section 18 of the Animal Health Act 2006.
“This has been a prolonged and complex case, with civil and criminal proceedings running concurrently. Animals are a very strong and proud feature of Pembrokeshire life, and the council’s animal health and welfare officers deserve great credit for their commitment to securing animal safety and in bringing this sad case to a conclusion.”