STEPHEN CROXALL'S FARMING CRIMES IN UTTOXETER AND RUGELEY REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Stephen Croxall, a farmer from Uttoxeter, was found guilty of severe animal welfare violations that took place on his farm. Born on December 3, 1968, Croxall resides at 2 Whitehall Close, Kingstone, Uttoxeter, with the postcode ST14 8RN. His neglectful actions led to the suffering and death of numerous livestock, including cows and sheep, in harsh winter conditions.

The charges against Croxall were brought forward by Staffordshire County Council, which detailed a series of 14 breaches of the Animal Welfare Act. These violations occurred on Croxall’s land located in the vicinity of Blithbury Road, Hamstall Ridware, near Rugeley. The offences ranged from causing unnecessary suffering to the animals, to failing in his duty to properly record the administration of medicines, which is a legal requirement for livestock owners.

The incident came to light during a visit by animal health officers on January 31, 2018. The officers found a scene of neglect: animals were visibly starving and suffering from the cold. One lamb was found hypothermic, indicating it had been exposed to freezing temperatures for an extended period, while another was discovered dead beneath a fallen gate. A young calf was also found in a distressed state—very vocal and emaciated, with its ribs clearly visible—suggesting it had not been fed or watered adequately for days. The officers observed that several animals had to be euthanized due to their poor health and condition.

During the court proceedings, Croxall explained that his neglect was partly due to exhaustion from his full-time job as a wood cutter. He also cited financial constraints, stating that veterinary costs were prohibitively expensive, which contributed to his inability to properly care for his livestock.

Prosecutor Lucy Daniels described the scene to the court, emphasizing the severity of the neglect. She stated, “It was -3°C at 11 a.m., and the land was described as white and frozen. Officers saw 20 bales of silage, which were black and mouldy. When the officers entered the field, the animals were hungry, running towards them in search of food. There were buckets of water, but these were frozen solid. The grass was frozen, and there was no hay or straw available for the animals. A wall of metal in the shed had been broken, with sharp edges protruding dangerously. An emaciated calf, which had likely been there for days, was so thin that its spine was clearly visible.”

The court heard that the injured calf had to be euthanized, but the veterinarian was unable to find a vein for injection due to the calf’s dehydrated state. The case highlighted the dire conditions in which the animals were kept and the neglect that led to their suffering.

A pre-sentence report was presented, indicating that Croxall’s actions were not driven by malice but rather by outdated farming practices and a lack of awareness. The report noted that Croxall had worked on farms for 35 years, but his methods had not kept pace with modern standards outlined by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). It also mentioned that Croxall’s aunt, who had previously kept records of farm activities, had passed away some years prior. The report acknowledged the financial pressures on the farming industry and noted that Croxall was spending fewer hours on the farm due to his other employment, which contributed to his inability to care for the animals properly.

Further personal hardships were also discussed. Croxall’s wife died in 2010, and since then, he had undergone psychiatric treatment. His defense lawyer, Lucy Taylor-Grimes, explained to the court that Croxall struggled with reading and writing, which made managing the situation even more difficult for him.

In sentencing, the magistrates expressed their serious concern over the neglect, noting that the animals had suffered for at least a week, with several having to be euthanized. While they considered imprisonment, they ultimately decided to suspend Croxall’s sentence due to his early guilty plea, personal circumstances, educational difficulties, and the recent loss of his wife. Croxall was sentenced to 16 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £1,000 in costs. Additionally, he received a lifetime ban on keeping animals, with a review scheduled after five years to assess his suitability to re-enter animal ownership.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, especially during the cold winter months when animals are most vulnerable.