Benjamin Bennett, sheep farmer in Callington, sentenced
Date of alert:
Wednesday, 20 April 2022
Crime Ref:
Force:
Devon & Cornwall Police
A sheep farmer from Callington has been given a suspended prison sentence and an animal ban after failing to provide adequate care for his animals and not properly disposing of sheep carcases.
At Bodmin Magistrates’ Court on 12 April 2022, Benjamin James Bennett, aged 41, from Callington, pleaded guilty to failing to care for sheep and failing to dispose of sheep carcases.
Mr Bennett, who previously received a caution for cruelty offences in 2019, was given a four-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, and banned from keeping sheep for 10 years.
He was ordered to pay £6,577.89 in costs, as well as a £146.00 surcharge.
On July 22 and 23, 2021, inspectors from Cornwall Council’s Animal Health Team and Defra's Animal and Plant Health Agency visited North Kingston Farm in response to a complaint.
On August 5 2021, the inspectors returned to the farm and discovered further breaches of legislation.
Inspectors found sheep being kept in an unsuitable environment with access to hazardous items including sheet metal cladding and sheep carcases.
