EIRLYS AND DEWI THOMAS SHOCKING LIVESTOCK ABUSE AT CILDYWLL FARM IN LLANDDOWROR

Eirlys and Dewi Thomas, residents of Cildywyll Farm in the village of Llanddowror, Carmarthenshire, have been found guilty of severe animal cruelty charges related to the mistreatment and neglect of livestock on their property. Despite the gravity of their actions, neither Dewi Thomas nor his mother, Eirlys Thomas, were prohibited from working with animals following their conviction, raising concerns about ongoing oversight and enforcement.

Their prosecution stemmed from a welfare investigation initiated after reports of poor conditions on the farm. Welfare officers from Carmarthenshire County Council, accompanied by a veterinarian from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), conducted an unannounced inspection in February 2022. The visit revealed a scene of neglect and suffering that shocked even seasoned animal welfare officials.

As the officers approached the farm via the driveway, they encountered a notably emaciated, brown cow lying alone in a field. The cow had recently calved, but tragically, her calf had died. It was evident that the birthing process had not been properly monitored or attended to, leading to the calf’s death. The cow was still alive but appeared to be in a state of distress and neglect.

Inside a farm shed, officers discovered another cow lying in a muddy area, on her side with her legs tucked beneath her. Initially believed to be dead, the animal was later observed to be breathing. The cow was in poor physical condition, with no visible access to food or water, and lacked a dry, comfortable place to lie down. Behind her, against a wall, lay her deceased calf, which had been left untreated for five days since birth. Following advice from the farm’s veterinarian, the cow was euthanised to prevent further suffering.

Further inspection of the calf pens revealed a downer calf suffering from severe pneumonia, which was deemed incurable and was also euthanised. Several other young calves were found to be suffering from pneumonia as well, yet they had not received any veterinary treatment. The neglect extended to the sheep shed, where multiple sheep were found lame and untreated. Two ewes, also in poor health, were assessed by a vet and subsequently euthanised to prevent further pain.

Throughout the farm, the officers observed a disturbing lack of basic care: the cattle, calves, and sheep had no access to fresh drinking water, although they eagerly drank when water was provided during the inspection. The scene was further marred by the presence of 19 cattle carcasses and three sheep carcasses scattered across the farm in various stages of decomposition. These carcasses were accessible to wildlife and farm animals, including pigs, creating a significant biosecurity and welfare hazard.

Both Eirlys and Dewi Thomas pleaded guilty to multiple charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, including causing unnecessary suffering and failing to dispose of animal carcasses promptly. They were also found to have failed to report animal deaths within the required timeframe, violating the Cattle Identification (Wales) Regulations 2007. Their actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for animal welfare standards and legal obligations.

In sentencing, the court imposed a 20-week custodial sentence for each defendant, suspended for 24 months, alongside 200 hours of unpaid community work, 25 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirements, and a combined costs order of £2,700. The case has drawn significant attention to the ongoing issues of livestock neglect in rural Wales, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement and oversight to prevent such cruelty from recurring.