Whittlesey couple banned from keeping animals after failing to carry out tuberculosis testing on cattle
Date of alert:
Friday, 29 March 2024
Crime Ref:
Force:
Cambridgeshire Constabulary
A Whittlesey couple have been banned from keeping animals for the rest of their lives after failing to test cattle for bovine tuberculosis.
Stephen Foreman, 82, and Janet Foreman, 78, of Saxon Road, also admitted offences relating to animal welfare after keeping cows on land prone to flooding. Peterborough Magistrates’ Court heard the pair did not take the necessary steps to ensure the welfare needs of their animals were being met, as livestock was able to access a variety of hazards on the land, such as metal wire, did not receive a suitable diet and was not protected from pain, suffering and injury.
Officers visited the premises numerous times, providing both Mr and Mrs Foreman with information as to their legal obligations. Despite extensive advice, both from Trading Standards and vets from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), neither of them acted to provide for the basic needs of their livestock.
Mr Foreman also failed to carry out the testing required by law to stop the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a disease which can affect humans.
He was fined £1,250 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £500 and costs of £3,000.
Janet Foreman received a fine of £500, was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £200 and costs of £2,000.
