A SMALLHOLDER has been banned from keeping agricultural animals for ten years after council officials found the foot of one of his sheep was infested with maggots.
Michael Jewell, 56, of Marske admitted two offences under the Protection of Animals Act and another under the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
Guisborough. magistrates also sentenced Mr Jewell to 120 days imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered him to pay £450 towards the council's costs.
The court heard that Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's environmental health officers had visited Mr Jewell's smallholdings at Lineside and Gashouse allotments last year following complaints from the RSPCA.
Magistrates heard that during the visits officers found the infested sheep, as well as pigs in poor condition.
In mitigation magistrates were told that Mr Jewell was of previous good character.
While he had left the animals in the care of a stockman, Mr Jewell accepted that their welfare was still his responsibility.
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