PAUL ROBINSON'S FARM IN PLUNGAR SHOCKING ANIMAL NEGLECT CASE

Paul G Robinson, born around 1969 and residing at Hill Farm on Harby Lane in Plungar, Nottingham NG13 0JH, was convicted in 2019 for severe neglect involving his livestock, including pigs, cattle, and sheep. The case came to light after a concerned member of the public reported the distressing conditions to Trading Standards officers, prompting an urgent investigation into the farm's practices.

When the authorities arrived at Hill Farm, they discovered a scene of neglect and suffering. The pigs were found living in complete darkness, deprived of natural light and proper care. One ewe was identified as being undernourished, unable to produce sufficient milk for her lamb due to inadequate feeding. The farm spanned approximately 20 acres, but the conditions of the animals raised serious welfare concerns.

On the same day, officers from the RSPCA responded to the scene and took immediate action to remove 27 cattle and 46 pigs from the farm to ensure their safety and well-being. Despite this, other animals, including sheep, goats, chickens, and additional livestock, were left on the premises. Robinson faced multiple charges, ultimately pleading guilty to 16 counts related to the care and treatment of his cattle, pigs, and sheep.

Magistrates considered the case and imposed a ban that specifically targeted pigs and cattle, but did not extend to other animals. Robinson’s admissions included causing suffering to his livestock, as well as failing to properly tag animals, neglecting to notify authorities about animal purchases and deaths, and breaching established codes of practice for animal husbandry.

Adam Clemens, representing Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards, provided a detailed account of the conditions. He stated, “The cattle and pigs had insufficient feed, and the sheep had, for the most part, no feed at all. A third of the pens lacked water, and the cattle appeared thin and undernourished.” He further revealed that pig carcasses were found lying among living pigs, and sheep carcasses had been burned, indicating a disregard for proper disposal and animal welfare standards.

Over the course of the investigation, Trading Standards officers made six additional visits to Hill Farm. During an interview with Robinson, his responses raised further concerns. Mr Clemens noted that Robinson had never read any of the official codes of practice for farmers and believed that animals did not require constant access to food and water. When questioned about the burned lamb carcasses, Robinson initially claimed that his dogs had dragged the dead animals onto a bonfire, but he later admitted to burning four lamb carcasses himself.

Robinson also stated that he cleaned the animal sheds only every three to six months and saw no issues with the way his animals were kept. The investigation revealed that there had been ongoing concerns about the farm for several years. Between 2012 and 2017, Trading Standards visited Hill Farm every year, although records prior to 2012 were unavailable, leaving gaps in the historical oversight.

During the court proceedings, Kim Lee, representing Robinson, explained that his client had been largely subordinate to his father, who managed the farm with strict authority. Lee described Robinson as being overwhelmed following his father’s death a year earlier and also caring for his mother, who suffers from dementia. He highlighted that the farm was operating at a loss of approximately £3,000 annually.

Lee emphasized that Robinson recognized his past mistakes and had taken steps to rectify them. He requested that the magistrates consider not banning Robinson from keeping all animals, arguing that farming was his lifelong vocation—“man and boy.” He proposed that Robinson be allowed to continue farming, provided he was restricted from keeping pigs and cattle, and that the number of sheep be reduced from 81 to no more than 50.

Ultimately, the court sentenced Robinson to a six-month jail term suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay a total of £2,115 in costs and charges. Additionally, Robinson received a lifetime ban on keeping pigs and cattle, aimed at preventing further neglect and ensuring animal welfare standards are upheld in the future.