A farmer and farming partnership from Carlisle have been fined for failing to dispose of animal carcasses and keeping others in filthy conditions following an investigation by Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards service.
Joseph Tomlinson Marrs (Junior) and JT & EM Marrs and Son from Broomhills Farm, Carlisle appeared at Carlisle Magistrates Court on Thursday 12 November 2020 charged with offences under the Animal By-Product Regulations 2013 for failing to dispose of large numbers of cattle and sheep carcasses without undue delay.
District Judge Chalk found Mr Marrs and the partnership guilty of failing to dispose of multiple carcasses without undue delay. Sheep and cattle carcasses were present on land and buildings and in a trailer controlled by Joseph Marrs (Junior) on or before 19 June 2019.
Mr Marrs was fined £1,100 including a victim surcharge payment.
The partnership of JT & EM Marrs and Son also pleaded guilty to breaching the Animal Welfare Act 2006, many of the cattle on the farm had no dry lying area and were living in faeces several feet deep. Cattle and sheep were also exposed to sharp objects lying around the farm.
Magistrates fined the partnership of JT &EM Marrs and Son a total £6,581, including a victim surcharge payment.
The court also awarded prosecution and legal costs of £8,515.10, making the total cost to the defendants £15,096.10.
Cllr Celia Tibble, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Trading Standards, said: “The animal by-product regulations are in place to try and prevent the spread of disease by ensuring that farmers dispose of dead carcasses in the correct manner and without unnecessary delay.
“Cumbria Trading Standards service works with the farming community to help them meet their legal duties and responsibilities, however, any person who has disregard for animal health and welfare legislation will be investigated and we will take legal action if necessary.”
