FARMER BANNED FROM KEEPING SHEEP AFTER DROWNING AT LEICESTER WATER FEATURE
Terance Michael Crane, a farmer from Leicester Forest East, has been banned from keeping sheep for a period of five years following multiple animal welfare infractions on his property.He pleaded guilty to three counts of neglect concerning sheep and lambs, and also admitted to five violations of regulations related to the proper disposal of animal remains.
The case came to light after police from Leicestershire alerted trading standards officers about concerns over animal treatment at Kingstand Farm, located partly on the former Kingstand Golf Course site.
An inspection uncovered the remains of at least nine sheep, which had drowned in a water feature on the disused golf course.
Investigations suggested the sheep had wandered into the water and, because of the smooth lining, could not escape, leading to their drowning after panic.
The authorities found carcasses of a cow and several sheep, along with bones and fleece, near the water.
Evidence indicated that the sheep suffered a painful death, having likely exhausted themselves trying to escape.
During interviews, Crane accepted responsibility for his shortcomings, stating he was unaware of some sheep missing.
Officials classified this as neglect, not intentional cruelty.
His legal team highlighted his lifelong career as a farmer with an otherwise clean record and mentioned that he had been experiencing personal difficulties, including health problems, the death of his mother, and a marriage breakdown.
Despite this, magistrates ordered Crane to relinquish ownership of sheep for five years, instructed him to remove any remaining animals within 28 days, and imposed a fine of £440.
He was also required to pay costs of £4,500 and a victim surcharge of £44.
