A POWYS farmer who flouted bird rules and was “threatening and verbally abusive” to council staff who visited his property to try and enforce them, has been ordered to pay nearly £3,000.

Alistair Meikle, from Llanbrynmair, was sentenced in his absence this week after he failed to appear before magistrates in Llandrindod Wells to answer a charge of failing to comply with an order relating to the all Wales Avian Influenza Protection Zone in February last year.

The zone was introduced in October 2022 to protect poultry and captive birds from a contagious strain of avian influenza, and meant all bird keepers in Wales had to follow strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.

County Times: After failing to appear at Llandrindod Magistrates' Court this week, Alistair Meikle, from Llanbrynmair, was convicted in his absence and told to pat a total financial penalty of nearly £3,000. After failing to appear at Llandrindod Magistrates' Court this week, Alistair Meikle, from Llanbrynmair, was convicted in his absence and told to pat a total financial penalty of nearly £3,000.

These included reducing access of poultry and other captive birds to areas frequently visited and contaminated by wild waterfowl; taking steps to feed and water birds in enclosed areas; and minimising movement of people in and out of bird enclosures.

The zone was in place until July 4, 2023.

But Meikle, proprietor of Meikle Growers Limited at Gardd Afon, Tafolwern, Llanbrynmair, was charged with contravening the order on February 8, 2023, by failing to comply with a notice that required him to house poultry properly.

Powys was hit by a series of outbreaks during the period, including one just 15 miles from Meikle’s address.

When visited by Powys County Council environmental health officers last February Meikle told them he had no intention of complying with the rules.

Meikle failed to attend court on Wednesday, February 14, with magistrates happy that he be convicted of the offence in his absence.

Prosecuting on behalf of the local authority, Reshmi Mukherjee said: “The rules required him to house paltry within the guidelines in place at the time.

“He was first contacted by Powys County Council on December 2, 2022. He was advised on several occasions between December 15, 2022, and February 8, 2023, in both writing and in person.

“When he was visited he was described as threatening and verbally abusive, saying he had not consented to the legislation so therefore did not intend to comply.

County Times:

“The Wales-wide prevention zone was in place to prevent the spread of influenza. There were outbreaks in Powys, including one 15 miles away from his property.

“His non-compliance continued throughout. He was harbouring potential avian influenza and his disregard led to this prosecution.”

Magistrates fined Meikle £660 and ordered him to pay costs in full of £1,820.37. He must also pay a £264 surcharge – resulting in a total financial penalty of £2,744.37.