CONVICTION OF STEPHEN AND SUSAN HITCHCOCK FOR ANIMAL WELFARE OFFENSES IN BELPER

Stephen Hitchcock, born around 1984, and his sister Susan Hitchcock, born around 1981, both residents of Slades Farm on Whitewells Lane, Belper DE56 2DN, were convicted in 2019 for mistreatment of cattle on their farm.

The siblings admitted to neglecting their animals and violating regulations related to the proper disposal of dead livestock. They acknowledged failing to protect the animals from pain and suffering, as well as breaching strict rules governing the disposal of carcasses.

During a court hearing at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that the pair took over the farm following the death of their father in 2011. An inspection on May 14, 2018, detailed the conditions on the farm, which housed approximately 500 cattle and 400 sheep.

Authorities discovered piles of decomposing carcasses in various locations across the property, alongside the remains of a bonfire containing bones and other materials. Prosecutor Will Douglas-Jones reported that officials also found two cows tied by the neck to a wall, with a short chain restricting their movement. When given water, these cows drank heavily over an extended period.

Initially, about 20 sheep were found in good condition. However, during the course of the inspection, Susan Hitchcock stated she had "been unable to cope" and had told Stephen on "numerous occasions" about her struggles.

Both siblings pleaded guilty to failing to protect a cow in a field from pain and suffering before its death. The authorities revisited the farm on subsequent days; by their third visit on May 31, 2018, no further welfare issues were identified.

As part of the sentencing, Stephen and Susan Hitchcock received an eight-week prison sentence suspended for two years. They were also ordered to pay costs amounting to £3,716.75 and a victim surcharge of £115.

This case was reported by the Derbyshire Telegraph.