Shropshire farmer Stuart Furber slapped with five-year ban for cattle neglect

SHROPSHIRE FARMER STUART FURBER SLAPPED WITH FIVE-YEAR BAN FOR CATTLE NEGLECT

Farmer Stuart Furber has been found guilty of multiple offences concerning the welfare of cattle on his farm located at Ryehills Farm, Whixall.

His conviction includes five charges related to neglect and one additional charge for failing to carry out mandatory bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing, despite repeated advice from authorities.

The investigation was conducted by Shropshire Council’s animal health team, who detected that the farm conditions were "well below accepted standards" and deemed "unsuitable" for animals.

Inspectors observed animals with access to scrap metal and farm debris, a problematic mixing of male and female calves, and adult animals lacking access to well-drained, dry lying areas.

The offences also included neglecting the cattle and neglecting to perform TB testing which is critical for disease control.

The conviction culminated in Furber being sentenced to 250 hours of community service, a fine of £1,800 in costs, and a five-year ban on all animals that will expire in June 2030.

The ban was implemented as a direct consequence of the severity of the neglect and the failure to test the animals as required, despite ongoing advice from authorities.

His previous record is notable, as his mother, Olive Mary Furber, was issued a 10-year ban for similar cattle neglect offences in 2015.