Farming couple facing animal cruelty charges (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Farming couple facing animal cruelty charges

A FARMING couple who each face a long list of animal cruelty and farm mismanagement charges will be committed to Gloucester Crown Court for trial next month.

Francis Beavis, aged 63, and his wife, Inger, 61, of Hill Farm, Oxenton, near Winchcombe, each faced 35 charges dating back to between August 2003 and July 2004 when they appeared before Gloucester Magistrates Court on Monday.

Francis Beavis admitted five counts, dealing with offences of failing to replace lost ear tags on cows and Herefordshire bulls at Hill Farm and on nearby premises at Sunset Lane, Southam, between November 2003 and June last year.

He pleaded not guilty to all of the remaining counts, while his wife denied all 35 counts.

Lester Maddrell, prosecuting for Gloucestershire Trading Standards, explained that the outstanding 30 allegations related mainly to animal cruelty under the Animals Act and the 1968 Agriculture Act.

Mr Maddrell explained: "The remaining allegations include failure to dispose of a carcass and further ear tag offences.

"But most relate to causing unnecessary suffering to animals, animals of different ages being separated, failure to provide a wholesome diet and sufficient water, and the failure to provide adequate numbers of qualified staff to deal with animals in care."

Both elected for trial at the crown court.

Magistrates bailed the couple to appear before magistrates for committal proceedings on Monday, March 14 this year.