ANGUS HERON

A farmer from East Bierley in Kirklees has been fined nearly £2,500 after admitting to breaches of animal health legislation.

Angus Heron, who lives on Hunsworth Lane, appeared at Huddersfield Magistrates Court on November 13, where he pleaded guilty to 11 offences linked to cattle identification, unregistered movements, and failing to produce essential farm records.

The infringements involved cattle located in various parts of the borough, and authorities noted that during an inspection, several animals were found without proper tags or passports and not registered with the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS).

Consequently, Heron had not kept records of cattle movements, births, or deaths, and was unable to produce his holding register upon request.

Councillor Yusra Hussian, overseeing Culture and Greener Kirklees, warned that such breaches could lead to the spread of serious diseases like BSE and Foot and Mouth, posing risks to communities locally and nationwide.

She also highlighted that the council’s Animal Health team had spent two years providing advice to Mr Heron, but he failed to take the necessary corrective steps, resulting in prosecution.

She concluded by stating that the case underscores the importance of cattle identification and traceability, and confirmed that enforcement action will be taken against those who compromise farm biosecurity.

The total penalties included a fine of £1,350, a victim surcharge of £135, and costs of £1,000, creating a combined total of £2,485.