Latest news with #AnimalWelfareAct2006
Western Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Father and daughter caused unnecessary suffering to animals
A father and daughter have been sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to animals. Richard Scarfe, of Park Street, Pembroke Dock, and Brogan Scarfe, of Woodbine Terrace, Pembroke, admitted to offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. They appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, May 12, for sentencing. The pair admitted causing unnecessary suffering to pigs, sheep, poultry, and dogs between January 25, 2022, and April 18, 2023. Richard Scarfe, who had previously been disqualified from keeping animals, was sentenced to 11 months in prison. However, this was suspended for 12 months due to concerns about the impact of the sentence on those dependent on him. He was also given a lifetime disqualification from owning and keeping animals, participating in the keeping of animals, and being part of an arrangement where he can control or influence the way animals are kept. (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council) This disqualification covers all animals and is to remain in force for life with no application to terminate for 10 years. Richard Scarfe was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, and 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirement. Brogan Scarfe received a disqualification from owning animals limited to pigs, sheep, bovines, avians, and dogs. READ MORE: Dad and daughter caused horrific suffering to sheep and pigs She must not keep the animals as listed, participate in the keeping of animals as listed, or be part of an arrangement where she can control or influence the way animals are kept. This disqualification is to remain in force for five years with no application to terminate for three years. Brogan Scarfe was also sentenced to a community order for 12 months, with 100 hours of unpaid work. The efforts of Pembrokeshire County Council's animal health team were highlighted following the conclusion of this long-running and complex animal welfare case. Councillor Jacob Williams, the cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, said: "The animal health team provides support and advice to farmers in order to ensure legal compliance, and at the beginning of this case, guidance was offered. "However, repeated breaches left the council no option but to take formal action to secure the animals' welfare. "Veterinary surgeons were consulted for their expert opinion, who certified that the animals were suffering, and issued a certificate allowing for the animals to be seized for their protection under section 18 of the Animal Health Act 2006. "This has been a prolonged and complex case, with civil and criminal proceedings running concurrently. "Animals are a very strong and proud feature of Pembrokeshire life, and the council's animal health and welfare officers deserve great credit for their commitment to securing animal safety and in bringing this sad case to a conclusion."
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Cheap item cats 'won't go near' to stop them pooing in your garden
Cats can be a real nuisance in gardens, but it's important to know the law before using any deterrents. Luckily, gardeners have shared a humane way to keep them at bay Cats can become quite the nuisance in gardens, causing mayhem and destruction amongst the beds and borders. As carnivorous creatures, cats' faeces can harbour parasites that pose a risk to those intending to consume home-grown garden produce. Before opting for any deterrents to address the issue of intrusive felines, it's imperative that gardeners acquaint themselves with pertinent legislation. The right to roam is afforded to cats by law, granting them the freedom to enter neighbouring yards without legal repercussions. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 safeguards our feline friends, meaning inflicting harm with either DIY or commercial repellents could lead to serious legal consequences, potentially culminating in hefty fines or imprisonment. Fortunately, seasoned green thumbs have divulged a benign yet effective deterrent which "won't harm them at all" but will encourage the cats to vacate the premises promptly. One individual, exasperated by the local moggies using his patch as a litter box, appealed for advice on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group. Steve Mclane queried: "Can anyone recommend a humane way of stopping neighbours cats using my garden as their toilet? Thanks." A host of horticulture enthusiasts touted the efficacy of citrus peels, especially orange rinds, strewn across their garden territories, reports the Express. Julie Crawey offered her tactic: "I seem to have some new resident cats in my garden this year. Remove the cat poo and put orange peels around. They seem to hate it." Mary Vale echoed this sentiment, stating: "Citrus peel scattered around worked for me. They smell it and scurry away." Nona Maffei shared her experience, recalling: "Citrus fruit peel. I remember I bought a big box of oranges at Christmas time and had them stored in the utility area, and our cat whose food bowl and water were in there, wouldn't go near it. "It took us a while to work out why and it was the smell of oranges so I know 100 per cent that it works." Lucy Prime also confirmed the anti-cat trick, saying: "Orange peel. Cats hate citrus and will run away from it." Bargain hunters will be pleased to know a five-pack of oranges is available for only 99p at Asda, breaking down to just 20p per orange. In comparison, Sainsbury's and Tesco sell individual oranges at 30p each. For those looking for alternative methods, some green-fingered enthusiasts suggested Steve should consider a jet spray as a feline deterrent. Mary Turner, alongside a picture of the £28.98 PestBye Jet Spray Battery Operated Motion Activated Cat Scarer and Repellent available on Amazon, advised: "Get this from Amazon. I haven't seen a cat in my garden since just after getting one of these. My neighbour has two cats and they suggested this." Gerald Henderson recommended a similar solution but pointed to eBay instead, commenting with a photo: "Get this off eBay. Stops them pooing without hurting them." The said cat repellent device is up for grabs on eBay too, coming in at the matching price tag of £28.98.
Pembrokeshire Herald
21-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
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.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
21-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Death at Pembroke Dock property sparks police probe
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.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
21-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Police appeal to locate wanted man Gareth Edwards
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.'
