RICHARD AND BROGAN SCARFE CONVICTED OF ANIMAL CRUELTY IN PEMBROKE DOCK

Richard Scarfe, born 9 February 1981, of Park Street, Pembroke Dock, and his daughter Brogan Scarfe, born 3 March 1999, of Woodbine Terrace, Pembroke, were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals at their farm Highland View Fold, located on the Ridgeway, Lamphey, Pembrokeshire. The offenses took place between January 2022 and April 2023, involving the neglect of pigs, sheep, dogs, and poultry.

Richard Scarfe, who has owned the farm since 2019, was previously disqualified from keeping goats, donkeys, bovines, sheep, and pigs in February 2022. Despite this ban, he continued to perform husbandry activities on the farm, often in defiance of the restrictions, with evidence showing he transferred animals into the care of his daughter, Brogan, who lacked the experience necessary for proper animal care.

The Pembrokeshire Council's investigation revealed repeated neglect. Prosecutor Christian Jowett reported that sheep were often found with little or no water and food, appearing thin with ribs and spines clearly visible. Pigs were housed among decaying carcasses, with some missing part of their ears—likely due to cannibalistic behavior provoked by overcrowding and food scarcity. Court footage showed pigs squealing in pain in cramped conditions, leading to fighting and injuries.

Dogs were confined within makeshift kennels, which were overcrowded and filthy, emitting a strong foul smell. The animals were never seen loose during official visits. Throughout multiple inspections, animals were consistently not provided with adequate or fresh food and water.

Veterinary specialists from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) were called in to assess the animals, but Richard Scarfe ignored their advice, including recommendations to increase the pigs' rations. He argued that the animals should not be fat and that leaner meat was preferable for human consumption.

In 2022 and 2023, the council, alongside the RSPCA and veterinary experts, conducted inspections before seizing ownership of all animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 later that year. In April 2023, authorities removed a cow, 26 sheep, 43 pigs, 23 poultry, and five dogs, which were taken to a sanctuary. Carefully examined, many of the animals needed medical treatment.

Richard Scarfe pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals—specifically pigs and sheep—on the second day of his trial. Brogan Scarfe also admitted to failing in her duty to meet the animals' needs, specifically those of sheep and pigs, and to two related charges on the same day.

Representing Richard Scarfe, Hywel Davies stated the defendant had no intention of returning to farming, clarified that the animals were not kept for commercial profit but for family slaughter, and emphasized that the sheep and pigs were only slaughtered for household consumption. He also urged the court to consider that Mr. Scarfe's wife depends on him and that this was his first offence, raising concerns about his ability to cope with incarceration.

Ross McQuillan-Johnson, defending Brogan Scarfe, highlighted her lack of prior convictions and suggested her intentions were good, though her care was deemed 'incompetent.' He noted she had shown remorse, was employed stably, and posed a low risk of reoffending.

Sentencing included: Richard Scarfe receiving an 11-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, 200 hours of unpaid work, 15 days of rehabilitation, and a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, along with a lifetime ban on keeping animals. Brogan Scarfe was given a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and disqualified from keeping animals for five years, expiring in May 2030.