Animal health team praised after conclusion of complex cruelty case
Father and daughter sentenced over prolonged animal welfare breaches
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL'S Animal Health Team has been commended for its dedication and professionalism following the conclusion of a complex and long-running animal welfare case.
Richard Scarfe, of Park Street, Pembroke Dock, and his daughter Brogan Scarfe, of Woodbine Terrace, Pembroke, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (May 12) for sentencing, having earlier pleaded guilty to multiple offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The pair admitted causing unnecessary suffering to pigs, sheep, poultry and dogs between January 25, 2022 and April 18, 2023.
Richard Scarfe had previously been disqualified from keeping animals. His breach of the ban carried a starting point of immediate custody, but Judge Catherine Richards suspended his 11-month prison sentence for 12 months due to concerns over the impact on dependents.
In addition, he was handed a lifetime disqualification from owning or keeping animals, participating in the keeping of animals, or having any control or influence over the way animals are kept. This ban covers all species and cannot be reviewed for at least 10 years.
He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work, undergo a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, and attend 15 rehabilitation activity days.
Brogan Scarfe was banned from keeping pigs, sheep, bovines, avians and dogs for five years, with no application for termination permitted for three years. She also received a 12-month community order, including 100 hours of unpaid work.
Following sentencing, Cllr Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, praised the work of the council's animal health officers.
He said: 'The Animal Health Team provides support and advice to farmers to ensure legal compliance. In this case, guidance was offered at the outset, but repeated breaches left the council with no choice but to take formal action to protect the animals.
'Veterinary surgeons certified that the animals were suffering and issued a certificate allowing their seizure under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act.
'This has been a protracted and complex case involving both civil and criminal proceedings. Animals are a proud and vital part of Pembrokeshire life, and the council's animal welfare officers deserve great credit for their commitment to protecting their wellbeing and securing justice.'
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Father and daughter sentenced over prolonged animal welfare breaches PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL'S Animal Health Team has been commended for its dedication and professionalism following the conclusion of a complex and long-running animal welfare case. Richard Scarfe, of Park Street, Pembroke Dock, and his daughter Brogan Scarfe, of Woodbine Terrace, Pembroke, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (May 12) for sentencing, having earlier pleaded guilty to multiple offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The pair admitted causing unnecessary suffering to pigs, sheep, poultry and dogs between January 25, 2022 and April 18, 2023. Richard Scarfe had previously been disqualified from keeping animals. His breach of the ban carried a starting point of immediate custody, but Judge Catherine Richards suspended his 11-month prison sentence for 12 months due to concerns over the impact on dependents. In addition, he was handed a lifetime disqualification from owning or keeping animals, participating in the keeping of animals, or having any control or influence over the way animals are kept. This ban covers all species and cannot be reviewed for at least 10 years. He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work, undergo a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, and attend 15 rehabilitation activity days. Brogan Scarfe was banned from keeping pigs, sheep, bovines, avians and dogs for five years, with no application for termination permitted for three years. She also received a 12-month community order, including 100 hours of unpaid work. Following sentencing, Cllr Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, praised the work of the council's animal health officers. He said: 'The Animal Health Team provides support and advice to farmers to ensure legal compliance. In this case, guidance was offered at the outset, but repeated breaches left the council with no choice but to take formal action to protect the animals. 'Veterinary surgeons certified that the animals were suffering and issued a certificate allowing their seizure under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act. 'This has been a protracted and complex case involving both civil and criminal proceedings. Animals are a proud and vital part of Pembrokeshire life, and the council's animal welfare officers deserve great credit for their commitment to protecting their wellbeing and securing justice.'
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