CLIVE LOCKTON'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN MORETON-IN-MARSH REVEALED

Clive Lockton, a farmer residing at New Road Farm in Todenham, Moreton-in-Marsh, was found guilty in 2018 of a series of serious animal welfare violations that exposed the appalling conditions in which his livestock and poultry were kept. Born around 1958, Lockton’s farm became the focus of a detailed investigation after inspectors uncovered widespread neglect and cruelty.

Animal welfare authorities, including Trading Standards officer Claire Miers and veterinarian Marie Ipas, visited Lockton’s farm on June 7th of the previous year. Their inspection revealed a distressing scene: approximately 75 pigs, seven sheep, and hundreds of chickens living amidst squalid conditions characterized by inadequate bedding, poor feed, and contaminated water supplies. The conditions were so dire that they posed a significant risk to the health and safety of the animals.

During the visit, inspectors observed that the farm lacked proper provisions for the animals’ needs. There was no fresh water or suitable bedding available, and the makeshift shelters constructed by Lockton had collapsed, resulting in injuries to at least one pig. This injured pig suffered a severe abscess on its leg and had broken ribs due to the shelter’s collapse. The animal was in such a critical state that a veterinarian had to be called to euthanize it to prevent further suffering.

Further examination revealed that Lockton had failed to properly ear mark his cattle, a legal requirement for tracking and health purposes, and neglected to inform authorities about the death of a cow on his farm. These failures highlighted a broader disregard for animal welfare regulations and proper farm management.

Inspectors also found that Lockton’s farm was cluttered with hazards. An example was a shed that was initially approved for pig housing but was later used to house cattle. Inside, the environment was hazardous: pallets and a trough tied together with string, planks with protruding nails, and deep mud that prevented the cattle from walking comfortably. An old, filthy bath was used as a feeding trough, and a water container contained a dead bird, which Lockton claimed he intended to remove later. The floor had large holes, posing a risk of injury to the animals.

The farm also contained a pile of out-of-date food, accessible to the animals, including Cumberland sausages, chicken and bacon sandwiches, and flame-grilled chicken, which posed health risks. Additionally, three calves were found without ear tags, which are legally required for identification and health monitoring. A sow was observed suffering in pain, with visible wounds, hobbling, and a dislocated jaw, indicating neglect and poor care. Manure and dirt had accumulated in water containers, further compromising the animals’ health.

Lockton’s failure to maintain proper conditions and adhere to animal welfare laws led to his conviction. He pleaded guilty to 17 offences, including causing unnecessary suffering to a female pig, failing to ensure proper animal welfare, and neglecting to report the death of a cow. His sentencing included a community rehabilitation order requiring him to perform 15 days of community service over the course of a year. He was also ordered to pay costs totaling £485 and was disqualified from keeping cattle and pigs for five years. This ban was non-appealable for two years, although it has since expired.

This case underscores the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws and highlights the neglect that can occur when farmers fail to meet their responsibilities. The conditions at New Road Farm in Todenham serve as a stark reminder of the cruelty that can be hidden behind farm gates when oversight is lacking.