Farmer disqualified after animals face unnecessary suffering

A farmer from Gwynedd who was found guilty of causing sheep and dogs to be subjected to unnecessary suffering has been banned from keeping animals for ten years and ordered to pay a £1,000 fine.

Robert Emlyn Hughes of Blaen y Garth, Nantlle pleaded guilty at Caernarfon magistrates’ court on 13 August 2025 to offences under animal welfare legislation and was today (3 October 2025) disqualified from keeping animals (save from one dog) for ten years at a hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court. He received a fine of £1,000 and will also be expected to pay costs of £980.

The Court had heard that the defendant was responsible for a flock of several hundred sheep and a number of dogs on his farm near Nantlle, Penygroes but had failed to properly care for the animals.

Offences identified included causing animals to be the subject of unnecessary suffering and failing to take appropriate and reasonable steps to be protected the flock from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

During the hearing, the Judge said that Mr Hughes had failed to engage with the relevant authorities and thanked Cyngor Gwynedd for their work and long investigation following numerous complaints regarding the condition and treatment of animals at Blaen y Garth.

An investigation by Cyngor Gwynedd’s Trading Standards Service was triggered following complaints by members of the public concerning the condition and treatment of sheep and dogs kept at Blaen Y Garth.

Council officers visited the farm several times during September 2024 and such was the concern about the health and welfare of the sheep and dogs, animal health inspectors – supported by Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) veterinary officers – intervened.

Sheep at the farm were observed to be suffering from conditions such as foot-rot, fly-strike, internal and external parasites. There were several instances where sheep were euthanised on welfare grounds on the advice of veterinary officers due to their suffering.

The Court heard that in general, it was the Veterinary Officer’s opinion, that taking into account the number of livestock to have died, their body condition and the fact that inadequate care had been provided, the sheep and dogs had suffered.

The Court also heard that the defendant’s cooperation throughout the investigation was minimal. Despite receiving advice from Cyngor Gwynedd officers and APHA veterinary officers, the defendant’s lack of engagement led directly to the prolonged and worsening suffering of the animals.

Due to the continued failure by the defendant to safeguard the welfare of the animals, Cyngor Gwynedd exercised powers to take the animals into their possession and emergency treatment was arranged at public expense.

Officers also found numerous decomposing sheep carcases left uncollected and accessible to other animals and wildlife at the farm.

As well as being disqualified from keeping animals, Robert Emlyn Hughes was also fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £980.

In mitigation Counsel noted the defendant’s guilty plea, remorse and the impact of losing his parents. 

Councillor Craig Ab Iago, Cyngor Gwynedd’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

“Anyone keeping livestock has a clear responsibility to ensure that their animals are kept in adequate conditions and receive the necessary care.

“The vast majority of people who keep agricultural animals take their responsibility seriously and look after their animals.

“However, where there is evidence of unnecessary suffering, our officers have a responsibility to investigate and take formal enforcement steps if necessary.”

Claire Thomas, Head of Field Delivery for Wales, APHA added:

“This case reflects the effectiveness of our enforcement efforts and the strong cooperation between APHA and local authorities. We welcome the outcome which sends a clear message that such offences will not be tolerated.

“All livestock operations, no matter their size, are legally obliged to uphold high standards of animal welfare.”

For advice relating to health and welfare or on keeping farmed animals or to report an animal welfare problem, Gwynedd residents can call the Trading Standards animal health line on 01766 771000, or e-mail safmas@gwynedd.llyw.cymru