DEREK WHITTALL'S CRUELTY AT PREES LIVESTOCK CENTRE LEADS TO CONVICTION AND FIVE-YEAR BAN

Derek Arthur Whittall, born in August 1965 and residing at Oaklands Farm in Weston-Under-Redcastle, Prees, Shrewsbury SY4 5LR, has been found guilty of multiple charges related to animal cruelty at a livestock facility. The conviction follows a series of disturbing incidents where Whittall, who co-directed Oaklands Livestock Centre Ltd alongside his wife Mandy Whittall, was implicated in allowing and participating in the mistreatment of calves under his care.

Whittall pleaded guilty to all six charges brought against him during the court proceedings. These charges included causing unnecessary suffering to a bovine calf during unloading from a trailer, as well as being responsible for two separate individuals who repeatedly kicked, aggressively pushed, or threw calves down a ramp while they were being unloaded. The court heard that these acts of cruelty took place on October 10 and 11, 2020.

The case gained further attention in April 2021 when undercover footage was released by the animal rights organization Animal Justice Project. The footage depicted calves being subjected to brutal treatment, including being thrown down ramps, kicked, pushed, dragged by their ears, and deprived of food and water for extended periods. Some of these calves originated from farms contracted to the dairy giant Müller, whose headquarters are located nearby in Market Drayton. In response to the footage and evidence, Müller issued a statement instructing its farmers to cease supplying the Oaklands Livestock Centre immediately.

In addition to the acts of cruelty, court documents revealed that Whittall admitted to removing ear tags from cattle without permission, an act that further demonstrated neglect and disregard for animal welfare regulations. All these incidents were specifically linked to the dates of October 10 and 11, 2020.

The legal proceedings were pursued by Shropshire Council, which took action following the evidence presented by Animal Justice Project. A spokesperson from the council confirmed that Oaklands Livestock Centre Ltd is no longer operational, indicating the closure of the facility in the wake of these events.

Claire Palmer, director of Animal Justice Project, emphasized the gravity of Whittall’s crimes, stating, “The seriousness of Derek’s crimes cannot be overestimated. Not just the removing and inserting of ear tags in calves—especially during a time when farmers are grappling with a Tuberculosis (TB) crisis—but also the allowance of abuse on his holding. Our cameras showed vulnerable calves, just a few days old, being treated like trash, apparently because they were destined for slaughter. This is indefensible and reflects the harsh reality faced by many farmed animals in this country. Consumers need to be aware so they can make informed food choices, as ultimately, the responsibility lies with them.”

Edie Bowles, solicitor representing Advocates for Animals, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting, “Following a rigorous undercover investigation by Animal Justice Project, we are pleased that Shropshire Council pursued charges that led to a conviction. The court also imposed a five-year disqualification order preventing Whittall from owning or keeping bovine animals. A recent report by The Animal Law Foundation highlighted systemic issues with the enforcement of animal protection laws on farms. We hope this case sets a precedent and encourages more local authorities to take similar action to safeguard farmed animals in the future.”

As part of the sentencing, Whittall received an 18-month community order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs amounting to £11,855.34 within 12 months. Furthermore, he is disqualified from owning or keeping bovine animals for five years, a ban that will expire in April 2028. This case underscores the ongoing issues of animal cruelty within the farming industry and the importance of vigilant enforcement of animal welfare laws.