A Pembroke farmer was fined a total of £6,620 by Haverfordwest Magistrates Court today (Wednesday) after failing to protect his calves from harm, injury and disease.

David Michael Roles of Kings Fold, Pembroke pleaded guilty to one offence of causing unnecessary suffering to a calf, and a further three offences of failing to provide for the needs of calves in his care.

The charges were brought under sections 4 and 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

He also pleaded guilty to four Animal By-Product offences of failing to dispose of calf carcasses without undue delay.

The court heard that officers of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Public Protection Animal Health and Welfare team paid a visit to Roles’ holding in July 2013 following a complaint.

They found rotting carcasses and seriously ill calves, which had not been examined or treated by a vet.

Magistrates fined Roles £5,000 for the offence of causing unnecessary suffering to a calf, with no separate penalty for the other offences.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £1,500 and victim surcharge of £120.

Nigel Watts, Trading Standards, Animal Health and Welfare Manager, said the fine reflected the severity of the offence.

“This is a clear warning that we will take action to prosecute wherever we find instances of inadequate animal welfare in Pembrokeshire,” he said.