NICK AND DIANE SHEARMON FROM SEEND CONVICTED OVER CRUELTY TO CATTLE IN MELKSHAM

In a significant case of animal cruelty, Nicholas and Diane Shearmon, residents of Spiders Paddock, Rusty Lane, Seend, near Melksham, have been found guilty of multiple charges related to the mistreatment and neglect of cattle. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of neglect that spanned over several months, culminating in their conviction in 2022.

On November 19, 2019, officials from Wiltshire Council’s animal health team, accompanied by veterinarians from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), conducted an inspection of the Shearmons’ smallholding. During this visit, they discovered the grim reality of the couple’s care for their livestock. Out of a total of twelve cows, three had already died, and many of the remaining animals were visibly weak, emaciated, and in poor health. One particularly weakened cow was found trapped in a muddy pool on the property, requiring intervention from Mr. Shearmon himself to free it from the muddy trap.

The investigation did not end there. On a subsequent visit on November 27, 2019, an animal health officer instructed the Shearmons to seek veterinary assistance within 48 hours for a cow that was observed to be struggling to breathe. Despite this clear directive, the couple failed to call a veterinarian. Instead, an officer from the animal health team had to return to the property to assess the situation. The cow was found in a collapsed state, suffering from severe health issues, and ultimately required urgent veterinary intervention. The couple’s private veterinarian was called in to euthanize the animal to end its suffering.

The court heard that the Shearmons pleaded guilty to several serious charges. These included causing unnecessary suffering to three cows, which post-mortem examinations revealed to be chronically malnourished and infected with lungworm. They were also found guilty of neglecting to seek veterinary care for a cow that was severely anemic, dehydrated, and extremely thin, thereby causing it unnecessary pain and suffering. Furthermore, the couple was charged with failing to isolate sick or injured animals in appropriate facilities, a basic requirement for animal welfare.

Additional charges detailed their failure to properly care for an ill or injured cow by neglecting to seek veterinary advice, as well as their negligence in preventing access to a muddy bog or pond filled with debris, which posed a health risk to nine of their cattle. The court also found that they failed to report the movement of four cattle, a breach of livestock regulations, and neglected to properly secure three carcasses, allowing access to animals or birds, which could have led to further health hazards.

In sentencing, the court ordered the Shearmons to complete 100 hours of unpaid community service. They were also fined £8,000 to cover costs and an additional victim surcharge of £190. Most notably, they were banned from owning, keeping, dealing in, or transporting cattle for a period of ten years, effectively prohibiting them from rearing or handling cattle in the future. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the consequences of neglecting the health and well-being of livestock in rural areas like Seend and Melksham.