A Pembrokeshire farmer has been banned from owning animals for seven years after admitting a string of animal welfare offences.

Aled John Morgan, previously of Brynhyfryd, Penffordd, Clynderwen, but now residing at Llan Isaf, Llangynog, Carmarthen, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Court today (February 17th) for sentencing.

He had earlier pleaded guilty (on February 10th) to 21 offences – the majority relating to breaches of the Animal Welfare Act and Animal By-Product offences.

The case followed complaints about animal welfare – cattle and pigs - at his Penffordd livestock farm.

As a result Pembrokeshire County Council Animal Health and Welfare inspectors and vets from the Animal Plant and Health Agency visited the farm on ten occasions from April, 2013.

During these visits Morgan received guidance – both verbally and by letter - and was issued with Animal Welfare Act improvement notices aimed at helping him improve conditions and the welfare of his livestock.

During these visits officers found severely underweight calves, older cattle and pigs being kept in unsuitable conditions; none of which were being provided with basic needs such as suitable or sufficient feed, water or clean dry bedding to ensure their welfare.

Much of the time they were found to be standing in deep slurry and as the visits continued through April, 2014, and beyond, more animals were discovered to have died and the carcasses not properly disposed of.

Some older cattle were able to be turned out which improved their situation.

In June, 2014, four young cattle and two pigs were taken into possession by the Council after an Animal Welfare Act section 18 was signed by a vet to prevent further unnecessary suffering.