This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/kent/6317741.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Cruelty farmer given animal ban Cruelty farmer given animal ban
(10 minutes later)
A Kent farmer has been banned from keeping animals for five years for causing unnecessary suffering to cattle and poultry at his farm in Halstead.A Kent farmer has been banned from keeping animals for five years for causing unnecessary suffering to cattle and poultry at his farm in Halstead.
Craig Sargent, 46, was also fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £20,289 in costs by Sevenoaks magistrates.Craig Sargent, 46, was also fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £20,289 in costs by Sevenoaks magistrates.
The RSPCA found a bull at Oaks Farm with hoofs so overgrown they "looked like Turkish slippers". Other cows were living in up to 3ft (90cm) of slurry.The RSPCA found a bull at Oaks Farm with hoofs so overgrown they "looked like Turkish slippers". Other cows were living in up to 3ft (90cm) of slurry.
The fine, costs and disqualification were suspended pending an appeal.The fine, costs and disqualification were suspended pending an appeal.
The court had heard Sargent also had a chicken shed containing birds so badly feather-pecked their backs were bleeding.The court had heard Sargent also had a chicken shed containing birds so badly feather-pecked their backs were bleeding.
Water troughs for pigs, cattle and sheep were dry except for one, which contained a pea-green liquid at the bottom.Water troughs for pigs, cattle and sheep were dry except for one, which contained a pea-green liquid at the bottom.
He chose to ignore advice and these are the consequences Ch Insp Steve DockeryHe chose to ignore advice and these are the consequences Ch Insp Steve Dockery
Sargent, who lives rent-free with his parents in Clarks Lane, Halstead, was described as a man of limited means who spent just £20 a week on living expenses.Sargent, who lives rent-free with his parents in Clarks Lane, Halstead, was described as a man of limited means who spent just £20 a week on living expenses.
His smallholding and butcher's shop in south London barely broke even, the court was told.His smallholding and butcher's shop in south London barely broke even, the court was told.
During mitigations, Dickon Reid said: "There was no wilful mistreating of these animals. The offences are very much at the lower end of causing unnecessary suffering."
He said Sargent and his family had been "ostracised" by their community and there had been a drop in business and added that the ban would "absolutely floor him".
'Guidance' given
Sargent, who has been a farmer for more than 20 years, was found guilty of three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to the bull, cattle and poultry.Sargent, who has been a farmer for more than 20 years, was found guilty of three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to the bull, cattle and poultry.
He was also found guilty of failing to ensure cattle had dry bedding and failing to provide fresh drinking water to cattle, pigs and sheep.He was also found guilty of failing to ensure cattle had dry bedding and failing to provide fresh drinking water to cattle, pigs and sheep.
He was cleared of causing unnecessary suffering to a pregnant cow, whose hooves were allegedly overgrown. The 46-year-old was cleared of causing unnecessary suffering to a pregnant cow, whose hooves were allegedly overgrown.
The five-year ban covers sheep, pigs, poultry and cattle.The five-year ban covers sheep, pigs, poultry and cattle.
After the hearing Ch Insp Steve Dockery, from the Kent RSPCA, said: "Mr Sargent had much advice and guidance regarding the care of the livestock in his control but unfortunately he chose to ignore advice and these are the consequences."After the hearing Ch Insp Steve Dockery, from the Kent RSPCA, said: "Mr Sargent had much advice and guidance regarding the care of the livestock in his control but unfortunately he chose to ignore advice and these are the consequences."