GRAHAM MABIN'S CRUELTY IN BUCKFASTLEIGH: FARMER SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE AND DOG ATTACKS

Graham Mabin, a farmer residing in Buckfastleigh, has been convicted of multiple charges related to the mistreatment of animals under his care. Born around 1983 and living at Market Close, Mabin faced serious allegations concerning cruelty to sheep and violations of farming regulations. His case drew significant attention after authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of neglect and abuse on his farm.

In 2019, Mabin pleaded guilty to two charges under the Animal Welfare Act, which pertain to the suffering inflicted upon his sheep. Additionally, he admitted to two violations of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and one breach of the Animal By-Products Regulations. These charges collectively highlighted a pattern of neglect and failure to adhere to legal standards designed to protect animal welfare and ensure proper farm management.

The most egregious incident involved a sheep suffering from an infected wound, with its spine clearly visible through the infection. This particular case was brought to light in December 2018 when officers from the Devon, Somerset & Torbay Trading Standards Service (DSTTSS) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) visited Mabin’s land. They discovered a severely emaciated sheep lying in a corner of a pen, unable to stand without assistance. The wound was so severe that the sheep’s spine was exposed, indicating a lack of proper veterinary care and neglect.

During the same inspection, officers found three lambs exhibiting signs of severe neglect. One lamb had an infected ear wound filled with pus, while another had an infected foot with a hoof that was easily detachable. Shockingly, none of these animals had access to clean drinking water, further emphasizing the neglect and poor conditions on the farm.

Further investigations in January 2019 revealed that Mabin failed to maintain adequate records concerning the medicines administered to his animals and their movements. Such records are crucial for traceability and food safety, yet they were absent from his farm, raising concerns about the integrity of the food chain and overall farm management.

In court, magistrates acknowledged the severity of the case, noting that Mabin had exceeded the custody threshold due to the number of animals involved, the extent of suffering inflicted, and his repeated failure to follow advice issued by Trading Standards. Despite the gravity of the offenses, the court imposed a suspended prison sentence, reflecting a balance between punishment and the opportunity for rehabilitation.

The sentence included four months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, along with costs and fees totaling £1,185. Mabin was also banned from keeping any animals for a period of ten years. As part of his rehabilitation, he was required to participate in activities aimed at addressing his conduct.

In a separate incident that garnered public attention, footage emerged in October 2020 showing Mabin’s wife, Stacey Mabin, and their 13-year-old son attacking multiple dogs in their garden with sticks and a shovel. The video, widely circulated on Facebook, depicted Stacey and her son hitting the dogs with various objects, including spades, sticks, and a broom, in the backyard of their Buckfastleigh home.

Stacey Mabin later gave an interview to a local newspaper, claiming that she and her son were attempting to prevent the dogs from fighting and attacking one particular dog, an elderly Labrador. Despite her assertions, the video caused outrage and concern among animal welfare advocates. Stacey also stated that she owned ten dogs, despite her husband being banned from keeping any animals until 2029. She denied any allegations of abuse or neglect, but the incident was reported to the police and the RSPCA. However, it appears that neither Stacey nor her son faced prosecution for their actions, leaving many questions about accountability and animal protection in the community of Buckfastleigh.