Authorities have successfully prosecuted the operators of a farm which sits between Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire for severe breaches of animal welfare laws.

Carmarthenshire County Council has stated that Dewi Thomas, Dyfrig Thomas, and Eirlys Thomas, the operators of Cildywyll Farm, Llanddowror, have been prosecuted for severe breaches of animal welfare laws.

This follows a previous conviction in which Eirlys Thomas and her son Dewi Thomas were prosecuted on 24 February 2023 for unnecessary suffering of livestock, while Dyfrig Thomas received a formal caution.

The latest case stemmed from a May 2023 investigation by the Animal Health Department, in collaboration with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Dyfed Powys Police, after receiving anonymous complaints regarding the condition of animals on the farm.

On May 31, 2023, Animal Health Officers, a vet from APHA, and a police officer from Dyfed Powys Police inspected Cildywyll Farm.

Inspections revealed disturbing scenes of neglect, including dogs and puppies roaming freely with no control over breeding, livestock living among carcasses, and severely ill cattle and pigs.

One cow was found with an untreated swollen eye, while several dogs, including a Cocker Spaniel with protruding ribs, were living in hazardous conditions, feasting on rotting carcasses, without a suitable diet, water, or adequate accommodation.

In a barn, inspectors found decomposing carcasses alongside living animals, highlighting the lack of adequate care.

The Thomas family, responsible for the farm's operations, had not sought veterinary care for many of the animals, including unvaccinated puppies and animals suffering from untreated illnesses.

As a result of these discoveries, the Thomas family was issued improvement notices and required to address the immediate welfare needs of their animals. Pigs, dogs, and puppies were removed from the premises on welfare grounds.

However, further inspections revealed ongoing non-compliance. Subsequent visits uncovered additional neglected animals, including sheep with untreated injuries from a dog attack, as well as discrepancies in farm records related to livestock deaths and movements.

Between February and September 2023, 144 bovine deaths were recorded at the farm, with 32 deaths unaccounted for, raising further concerns about the management of the livestock.

During court proceedings, Judge DJ Layton stated: “History shows over the past years the family has neglected animals from pigs to dogs to sheep.”

He further remarked: “This is a situation that resulted in the grandmother and father having a suspended sentence order, which is as close to prison as you can get, and Dyfrig Thomas got a caution, presumably due to his age, then as soon as the order was made, the situation continued, with dogs exposed to hazards and not having suitable beds, a sow wasn’t given water – a fundamental, basic need, puppies and adult dogs eating animal carcasses, pigs eating carcasses… It’s shocking."

Dewi Thomas was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work and was banned from keeping livestock for 5 years.

Eirlys Thomas received a 12-month community order and was also banned from keeping animals for 5 years, while Dyfrig Thomas received a 6-month community order and was banned from keeping animals for 2 years.

All three were ordered to pay a total of £19,275.10 in costs, along with the confiscation of livestock under section 34 of the Animal Welfare Act.

As part of the legal action, multiple animals were removed from the farm and placed in the care of local rescue services. The case highlights the ongoing commitment of the Animal Health Department to ensure that animal cruelty and neglect are addressed and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, stated: “This case demonstrates the seriousness with which we take animal welfare violations. The conditions uncovered at Cildywyll Farm were truly shocking, and we are committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Animal welfare is a key priority for us, and we will continue to work to prevent suffering and protect the wellbeing of livestock across Carmarthenshire.”

Carmarthenshire County Council wishes to highlight that its Animal Health Officers are also available to support farmers and can offer support to those that are experiencing difficulties in caring for their livestock.

To get in touch with our Animal Health Team, call 01267 234567 or e-mail [email protected]