Powys farmer 'failed miserably' to care for animals

Magistrates in Llandrindod Wells this week jailed Martha Heulwen Davies for six months – but told her they were suspending the sentence for a year.

At a previous hearing, Davies admitted seven charges relating to causing unnecessary suffering to sheep and cattle at Moelpart Farm, just outside Foel, near Llangadfan, between August 2023 and January 2024.

Magistrates were told how Davies “failed miserably” to care properly for livestock and seemed to be “in total denial” about the health of her animals.

At her sentencing hearing in Llandrindod on Wednesday, September 25, magistrates told her she would be handed a lifetime disqualification order – barring her from owning and keeping livestock.

Reshmi Mukherjee, prosecuting the case on behalf of Powys County Council (PCC), said: “These are severe offences and grave circumstances, which led to animals being euthanised.

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“Some were being eaten alive by flies. She does not have the mental capacity to function day to day.

“We have been informed today she has not sold any cattle. We would continue to advise her to de-populate.”

Ms Mukherjee said the local authority was seeking £16,000 costs in the case.

The court previously heard that the council’s trading standards department reported possible animal health breaches at the farm in July 2023.

“Animals were discovered to have raw skin and maggot infestations, there was malnourished stock present,” said Ms Mukherjee at Davies’ initial appearance, on August 28, adding that she appeared "in denial" about the issues.

“Mud and slurry cover the yard, it is unsafe to walk in many areas. Agencies have tried to work with the defendant to address animal welfare issues, but she has a history of non-compliance dating back to 2012."

She added: “One male sheep was so badly affected it was put down. Two sheep had been left to die, without feed, water, bedding or shelter. They were put down immediately. Eleven other sheep were malnourished.

“These issues should and would have been obvious to any competent farmer. Ms Davies failed miserably in her duty to her animals."

Gurleen Kaur, defending Davies, said her client had farmed her entire life.

“It is all she has ever known and all she has ever done,” said Ms Kaur.

“She has run this farm on her own for a significant time. She accepts it has fallen below the acceptable standards.”

Ms Kaur said this had been down to a mix of the pandemic, her client’s personal circumstances, and financial strains.

“She appreciates her limitations and her inability to run the farm to previous standards and she has sought to reduce her stock,” added Ms Kaur.

“I would ask for a disqualification order, if imposed, to only include the livestock, so that she can keep her dogs and puppies.”

Lorna Jones, chair of the bench, said: “This is a really sad and difficult case.”

“This case would have been sent to the crown court if you had not pleaded guilty,” she added.

“It has passed the custody threshold, due to the loss of life and it occurred over a significant period of time.

“We are suspending it due to your personal circumstances and previous clean character.”

Magistrates banned Davies from owning, keeping, dealing and being involved with livestock, for life, beginning on January 1, 2025.

They also told her to pay £1,600 costs and a £154 surcharge.