Scammonden farmer fined for keeping cows in the dark

Oct 14 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Officers from Kirklees Environmental Health department and the Government’s Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) visited Norcliffe’s farm in August 2008 to carry out tuberculosis tests.

While there, they asked where Mr Norcliffe intended to keep his cows in winter. When he said he would use a barn underneath his house, he was told it was unsuitable because it had little natural light, no electric lights and the doors were kept closed.

There were three follow-up visits but things did not improve.

Carol English, prosecuting, said: “He said the cattle were fine and he always kept them this way. He wouldn’t keep the doors open as it was too cold. He said he would have lights fitted on a generator.”

An improvement notice was served on Norcliffe by a DEFRA vet, ordering him to improve the lighting.

But on two further visits the lights were not switched on.

Mrs English said: “The defendant has been given four warnings, received visits and been given advice, but despite all the help and assistance he has failed to provide adequate lighting.”

The maximum penalty for the offence is 51 weeks in prison. Offenders can also be banned from keeping livestock.

Mr Carr asked the court not to ban his client from keeping cattle.

He said: “Apart from his dogs, they are his only company. Not having them would absolutely destroy him.

“Without his cows he would have no purpose or meaning in life.”

As well as the fine, Norcliffe was ordered to pay £50 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The council defended the prosecution. A spokesman said: “Our animal health and welfare officers paid several visits to Mr Norcliffe and worked hard to find simple, low-cost solutions – some as simple as cleaning windows and trimming back bushes obscuring the windows – which could have been easily introduced.

“We offered help and advice, but Mr Norcliffe failed to improve conditions for his livestock.’’