NIGEL STUBBINS CONVICTED IN ALFRETON FOR CRUELTIES TO COW AT FOLYNE ABBATOIR

Nigel Stubbins, born on 25 January 1972 and residing on Main Street, Newton, Alfreton DE55 5TE, was convicted in 2019 for the harsh handling of a collapsed cow at Foyle Abattoir in Cinderford.

Stubbins was found guilty of two counts of unlawfully handling a dairy cow, following an earlier guilty plea related to improperly transporting a horned bull in the same compartment with other cattle.

The incident was captured on CCTV footage, which showed Stubbins attempting to move a Holstein Friesian cow for approximately 45 minutes using an electric goad and excessive pulling. The footage documented his actions on November 13, 2018, when he arrived at the abattoir at 9pm, outside of normal operating hours.

After unloading the cattle, Stubbins opened the top rear compartment of the lorry, revealing a cow that had already fallen and slid down the ramp. The CCTV revealed that for the next 45 minutes, he tried unsuccessfully to get the cow to stand and walk into a pen, despite clear signs from the footage that the cow was unable to get upright and remain standing.

During this time, Stubbins used various methods to try and force the cow to stand, including pulling her by the nose, using ropes to drag her, and repeatedly applying an electric goad over a half-hour period.

The use of electric goads is heavily regulated, with strict rules against repeated use when animals cannot respond or stand, and prohibitions against lifting or dragging animals by the head, ears, horns, legs, tail, or fleece, or in any way causing unnecessary pain or suffering.

Stubbins was sentenced to a fine of £1,055, ordered to pay £2,000 in prosecution costs, and a £155 victim surcharge.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the importance of adhering to regulations designed to prevent such cruelty, as reported by GloucestershireLive.