Pembrokeshire pair caused horrific sheep and pigs suffering

South Wales Argus

13-05-2025

Richard and Brogan Scarfe were accused of causing unnecessary suffering to pigs and sheep being kept on land at the Ridgeway in Lamphey between January 2022 and April 2023.
They initially denied the offences, but during their trial Mr Scarfe pleaded guilty to two offences of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals, and Ms Scarfe admitted to two offences of failing to ensure the needs of sheep and pigs in her care were met.
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Swansea Crown Court heard Mr Scarfe had been disqualified from owning or keeping animals for five years on January 26, 2022, after he was handed a suspended sentence for offences under the Animal Welfare Act.
Following this disqualification, Pembrokeshire council officers continued to visit Scarfe's land to monitor the condition of the animals – which were now owned by his daughter.
Across a number of visits, the animals were regularly found 'severely underweight' or 'in poor body condition', and were often found with either no food or water and being housed in poor conditions, prosecutor Christian Jowett said.
In a visit in March 2022, the officers found a pig squealing in pain in the main shed after its head had become trapped, and pigs were found having 'direct contact' with the carcasses of two dead pigs in March 2023.
Dead pig carcasses were found directly next to where pigs were being kept. (Image: Pembrokeshire council)
On another occasion, a ewe was emaciated – with its spine showing – and suffering from wool loss, and one pig was found to have 'extensive permanent damage to both ears' – which 'appeared to have been chewed away'.
When the officers confronted Mr Scarfe about the pigs being underweight, he 'became annoyed' and 'began to argue' with them, and claimed they were 'in an ideal condition', Mr Jowett said.
Pembrokeshire council attended once more on April 11, 2023, before then seizing the animals on April 18.
A total of 98 animals – including one cow, 26 sheep, 43 pigs, 23 poultry, and five dogs – were seized and taken to a sanctuary, many requiring medical treatment.
Sheep were found emaciated and suffering from wool loss. (Image: Pembrokeshire council)
Ross McQuillan-Johnson, appearing for Ms Scarfe, described her actions as 'well-intentioned but incompetent care'.
'The offender has quite clearly been given an inappropriate level of trust and responsibility,' he said.
He added that she had no previous convictions and 'full appreciates the severity of the offences'.
Hywel Davies, for Mr Scarfe, told the court the defendant had 'no intention' of returning to farming.
He acknowledged the offending was so serious that a custodial sentence had to be passed, but argued any sentence could be suspended because Mr Scarfe was the primary carer for his wife and was in a 'poor state of health' himself.
The pigs were found to be in poor health and being kept in poor conditions. (Image: Pembrokeshire council)
Judge Catherine Richards said it was 'quite clear' Ms Scarfe allowed herself to take responsibility for the animals despite not having to skills or knowledge to look after them.
'I have no doubt you acted through a sense of misplaced loyalty towards your father,' she said.
She said Mr Scarfe 'brazenly breached' his disqualification order, and caused further suffering to the animals by ignoring the advice of veterinary professionals.
Judge Richards sentenced Richard Scarfe, 44, of Park Street in Pembroke Dock, to 11 months, suspended for a year. As part of this, he must complete 200 hours of unpaid work, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Brogan Scarfe, 26, of Woodbine Terrace in Pembroke Dock, was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 100 hours of unpaid work.
She was banned from owning or keeping pigs, sheep, bovines, avians, and dogs for five years, and her father was disqualified from owning or keeping all animals for life.