CHRIS WHITE FROM AYLTON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY INVOLVING LLAMAS NEAR LEDBURY

Christian John White, born around 1974, a man who transitioned from working as a scaffolder to becoming a poultry farmer, has been convicted of severe animal neglect in the vicinity of Aylton, near Ledbury. The case, brought forward by Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards Service, revealed disturbing details about White’s treatment of a group of llamas found in a state of extreme neglect.

White faced multiple charges, including a previous allegation of assaulting a woman last year. However, in this case, he pleaded guilty to five counts related to causing unnecessary suffering to animals. The charges detailed his failure to protect the llamas from pain, suffering, injury, and disease, as well as his neglect in properly storing and disposing of animal carcasses. The investigation was initiated after a complaint was lodged in June 2022, when local residents reported seeing several llama carcasses in a field near Aylton that were in a state of advanced decay.

Concern was also raised about the condition of a live llama present in the same field, prompting a visit from a Senior Animal Health Officer from the Trading Standards Service. During the inspection, the officer was appalled to discover a llama suffering from a severe maggot infestation, a condition often associated with neglect and poor hygiene. Tragically, the officer was present when the animal succumbed to its injuries and died on-site.

Further examination of the site revealed multiple carcasses of llamas in various stages of decomposition, with clear signs that some animals had died from fly strike, a painful condition caused by maggot infestation. The evidence pointed to a pattern of neglect and failure to provide adequate care for the animals under White’s responsibility.

In sentencing, White received a 30-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service, attend 25 days of rehabilitation programs, and pay £2,500 towards costs along with a victim surcharge. As part of his punishment, White was also banned from keeping any animals for a period of ten years, with the exception of one pet dog and poultry, a ban that will remain in effect until August 2029.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and neglect in rural areas like Aylton and underscores the importance of vigilant enforcement by authorities to prevent such suffering.