KEITH FARMER BANNED FOR LIFE OVER HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT
A man from Keith has been sentenced to a lifetime ban on keeping livestock after being found guilty of severe animal neglect.The case involved the discovery of over 100 calves and dozens of carcasses abandoned on his farm, in conditions described as the worst Moray Council inspectors have ever witnessed.
During a farm raid, inspectors, which included five veterinary professionals, found calves lying amidst filth and in a state of starvation, many suffering from pneumonia and other ailments.
Some calves had to be euthanised due to their poor health, and the conditions caused emotional distress to the inspectors who described the scene as harrowing and moved to tears.
The farm owner, Samuel Hessin, had a previous conviction for running a puppy farm in 2018, where he kept over 60 dogs in filthy conditions and was banned from keeping animals for ten years after being sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid work in 2022.
This new case prompted further investigations which revealed that Hessin failed to provide adequate water, food, or veterinary care, leading to a high death rate among the animals, with post-mortem reports indicating illnesses such as pneumonia, septicaemia, and skin conditions.
He admitted to neglecting calves so badly they died, and specifically failed to dispose of animal carcasses properly, leaving some exposed to pests.
The court heard that Hessin's neglect was motivated by financial gain, with the conditions on his farm described as deplorable.
His defense argued for a community order due to his financial difficulties and stated that Hessin's wife and son now manage the farm, with Hessin himself only delivering firewood.
The sheriff, moved by the case and the emotional testimony, banned Hessin from keeping farm animals for life and placed him under supervision for 12 months, including a night-time restriction of liberty order.
Hessin was also ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work.
The court’s decision was supported by Moray Council officials, emphasizing the seriousness of the neglect and the importance of animal welfare laws.
