A 48-year-old farmer from South East Cornwall has been banned from keeping sheep following a trial at Truro Magistrates Court in a case brought by Cornwall Council.

In a statement yesterday, the council said that David Ford was banned from owning, keeping, participating in the keeping, dealing or transporting sheep for seven years.

The council reported: ’Mr Ford, of Higher Rillaton Farm, Rillaton (near Rilla Mill), was convicted of failing to appropriately or adequately treat a severely injured sheep and failing to investigate the reasons for the poor body condition of 47 sheep.

’Mr Ford had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to provide clean water to pigs; failing to provide care to two sick cattle; failing to care for piglets; and failing to provide a clean feeding area to pigs.

’District Judge Diana Baker ordered Mr Ford to pay costs of £12,000.’

Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council cabinet member for communities said: ’Cornwall Council officers work to assist farmers, smallholders and businesses across Cornwall in complying with the relevant legislation however, where we find repeated non-compliance and a complete disregard for farm animal welfare, we will take formal action to protect animals and the reputation of the Cornish farming industry.’