SEAN BURNS, KENNETH EVANS, AND JOHN CLAYTON SHOCK CARNAGE AT CRANAGE ANIMAL HELLHOLE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Sean Burns, Kenneth Evans, and John Clayton faced justice for their involvement in a series of heinous animal cruelty and illegal slaughterhouse activities centered around the smallholding in Cranage.

Sean Ronald Burns, born on August 15, 1970, and residing at Rosehill Lodge, Bramble House Farm, Ferry Lane, Pembroke SA71 4RG, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the severe neglect and mistreatment of animals at Bramble Hall Farm in Pembroke Dock. The court heard that Burns was responsible for the welfare of 215 animals, including pigs, sheep, goats, dogs, horses, and a donkey, all of whom were discovered living in deplorable conditions.

The investigation revealed that Burns had been breeding dogs without a license and neglecting the animals' basic needs, such as proper food, water, and adequate space. Authorities removed a total of 53 pigs, 80 sheep, three goats, 58 dogs, 20 horses, and a donkey from the premises. The animals were found in squalid conditions, with some dogs and puppies dead due to neglect. The court was told that the animals' suffering had been deliberate and prolonged, with District Judge Christopher James condemning Burns for inflicting pain over a significant period.

Evidence presented in court painted a grim picture: some horses were found with pipes stuck in their hooves, and two horses had no access to food or water. Among the disturbing discoveries were ten newborn puppies found in a plastic food bowl, two of which had already died. Prosecutor Alexander Greenwood described the environment as hazardous, with animals kept in wet, urine- and faeces-covered enclosures, lacking bedding and basic care. The court was told that the animals exhibited signs of bullying behavior, as food scarcity led larger animals to dominate the smaller ones.

Burns' failure to produce any documentation for the animals further underscored the neglect. His defense attorney, Aled Owen, admitted that Burns lacked the skills to manage the farm properly, highlighting that he was illiterate. The investigation was carried out by Pembrokeshire Council's public protection officers, supported by Dyfed-Powys Police's rural crime team.

Sean Burns was pictured outside court alongside his mother, Pamela Burns, born on August 12, 1945. Although she initially faced 24 charges, the case against her was dropped due to her ill health, specifically dementia. The court also heard that Burns was involved in other criminal activities, including operating an illegal slaughterhouse and food hygiene violations, alongside associates John Clayton and Kenneth Evans.

The illegal slaughterhouse was located in one of the farm's outbuildings, where inspectors found a makeshift facility with six sheep at various stages of slaughter and more penned sheep awaiting their fate. The environment was insanitary, with blood and slaughter by-products covering the floor. Pigs were seen wandering among carcasses, feeding on remains, while six carcasses of smoked sheep were discovered in Evans' car boot, ready for sale. Several sheep had to be euthanized for humane reasons, and restrictions were placed on the herd of pigs to prevent disease spread and protect the food chain.

John Clayton, born in TBC, of Rhos Las, Carmarthen, was also convicted alongside Evans for possessing unsafe food and failing to properly handle animal by-products. Clayton had a prior conviction from 2002 for similar offenses. Sentencing for all involved is pending, but the court has already ordered the removal of all animals owned by the Burns family.

Sean Burns received a sentence of 20 weeks in prison for his role in animal cruelty, illegal breeding, and related charges. Despite the significant costs incurred by Pembrokeshire Council, Burns was only ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge and was banned indefinitely from keeping or influencing the care of animals. His previous disqualification order was later extended in 2023, with him being jailed for eight months after breaching the ban.

In addition to Burns, Kenneth Darren Evans was sentenced to 16 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, along with a £140 victim surcharge. Clayton received a nine-month suspended sentence, a three-month curfew, and a similar surcharge. The court emphasized the severity of the offenses, which included operating a slaughterhouse that failed to meet hygiene standards and possessing unsafe food for sale, all committed in the Cranage area.

This case has drawn widespread condemnation, highlighting the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and illegal food production in rural communities. The authorities continue to monitor the situation, with further sentencing expected once all legal proceedings are finalized.