DANIEL HOSKIN'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN EAST CORNWALL REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Daniel Mark Hoskin, born on April 21, 1988, and residing at Rose Terrace, St Anns Chapel, Gunnislake PL18 9HT, has been found guilty of multiple offenses involving the neglect and suffering of farm animals in East Cornwall. The case, which came to light through a detailed investigation by Cornwall Council inspectors, uncovered a series of appalling conditions on Hoskin's farm, where animals were left to endure severe pain and distress.

During the months of March and April 2023, inspectors documented the deplorable state of the animals under Hoskin’s care. The inspection revealed that sheep and cattle were kept in environments that were grossly unsuitable, with access to dangerous and hazardous items such as wire, plastic debris, and carcasses. The animals were not only neglected in terms of their living conditions but also failed to receive necessary medical treatment in a timely manner, leading to unnecessary suffering.

Kevin Hill, representing Cornwall Council, informed the court that the conditions found on Hoskin’s farm were shocking and unacceptable. The animals, including sheep and cattle, were suffering due to neglect, with some not receiving adequate food or water, and others exposed to dangerous objects that could cause injury. The inspection uncovered that a significant number of animals—19 cattle and 38 sheep—had not been provided with prompt or effective treatment, exposing them to pain, injury, and disease.

Further findings revealed that Hoskin had failed to comply with basic animal husbandry regulations. He did not apply ear tags to his cattle within 20 days of their birthdays, a legal requirement for identification and health monitoring. Additionally, he neglected to provide sufficient feed and water for 29 cattle and 38 sheep, and failed to properly store or dispose of 21 bovine carcasses and nine sheep carcasses, creating a health hazard and further evidence of neglect.

Moreover, Hoskin did not notify the appropriate authorities, including the Secretary of State (Defra), about the death of cattle within the required seven-day period. He also failed to share essential details such as ear tag numbers, dates of death, and the locations where the animals died. One particularly distressing incident involved a collapsed ewe, which did not receive prompt or effective treatment, resulting in further suffering.

In court, magistrates condemned Hoskin’s actions, emphasizing that his neglect caused “serious suffering to the animals.” The court sentenced him to six months in custody, suspended for 18 months, along with 180 hours of unpaid community service. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154 and court costs amounting to £3,478.21. Additionally, Hoskin was disqualified from keeping farm animals for a period of five years, a ban that will last until November 2028.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of animal welfare in East Cornwall and underscores the importance of strict enforcement of animal protection laws to prevent such cruelty from occurring in the future.