A FARMER has been ordered to pay more than £1,000 after sending sheep to the slaughter while they were suffering from foot rot.

Jack Holt of Nodes Farm in Magham Down, near Hailsham, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court on September 22.

The 27-year-old’s court appearance came after he transported sheep to a Kent abattoir while they were suffering from foot rot.

A total of 38 sheep on poor condition were sent to slaughter. Ovine foot rot is an infectious, contagious disease of sheep that causes severe lameness.

Richard Strawson of East Sussex County Council’s Trading Standards said: “Farmers have a legal duty to properly look after the animals in their care and this clearly had not happened in this case. Our officers were shocked that these sheep had been allowed to be transported given their condition and the suffering this would have caused them. This case demonstrates that we won’t hesitate to take action when it comes to the mistreatment of animals.”

Holt pleaded guilty to two offences under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. He was fined £580 fine and must pay £600 costs.