Crime Solicitors

An investigation by Surrey County Council’s Trading Standards Department has resulted in the prosecution of a local farmer for animal cruelty.

At Redhill Magistrates’ Court, James Goffin, 36, of Tandridge Lane in Lingfield, Surrey admitted six charges of animal cruelty and received a suspended jail sentence for causing unnecessary suffering to cattle.

Trading standards officers were alerted by a concerned member of the public, who noticed that several cattle at Goffin’s farm appeared to be injured, with blood on the back of their legs.

The officers arranged a visit to the farm with a vet from the Animal and Plant Health Agency, who found that six bulls had been castrated and required urgent medical treatment, which led to them being given antibiotics and pain relief.

In mitigation, Goffin’s defence lawyer told the court that the farmer was of previous good character and had not intended to cause suffering to the animals. The court heard that Goffin was unaware that the method he was using to castrate the bulls was illegal.

Magistrates accepted that it was not Goffin’s intention to harm the animals –but said he must have realised they were suffering and failed to take sufficient steps to address this.

Goffin was sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment suspended for two years and was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,572 and an £80 victim surcharge – a total of £1,632.

After the hearing, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Localities and Community Wellbeing, Richard Walsh, said:

“We won’t hesitate to take action to protect animals from harm and unnecessary suffering – and ensure high standards are maintained by the county’s farms.”

Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards operate a joint trading standards service.

Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors

Duncan Lewis can advise at any stage of a prosecution brought by Trading Standards or animal protection organisations such as the RSPCA, relating to animal cruelty.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can advise at the start of an investigation and before charges are brought – as well as attending interviews with prosecuting authorities.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and Duncan Lewis can also advise on charges relating to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (Amended 2014) and animal attacks or animal welfare issues on farmland, at riding stables or in zoos or petting zoos.

For expert legal advice on charges relating to animal welfare or animal attacks, call Duncan Lewis crime solicitors on 0333 772 0409.