TWO farmers from Lampeter and Tregaron have been prosecuted for failing to comply with legal requirements to dispose of dead animals.

The first case involved David Jones of Brynawel, Silian, Lampeter. On March 4, Ceredigion County Council received a complaint of fallen stock on land and a visit was undertaken by officers of the Public Protection Department.

They found several sheep carcasses that had been left to decompose adjacent to a right of way on the land creating an animal and public health risk; it was clear they had been there for some time.

A notice was issued to clear the decomposing carcasses, however this was only partially done by David Jones. He pleaded guilty to two offences of failing to dispose of carcasses.

In sentencing, magistrates took into account that officers had to request Jones to clear carcasses on his land on three separate occasions.

He received a two-year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £1,207.49 that covered the council's costs along with a victim surcharge.

Gwilym Jenkins, of Tynberth Farm, Tregaron, pleaded guilty to three animal by-products offences after the court heard a number of complaints had been made relating to carcasses in the fields at Penlone Farm, another holding farmed by the defendant.

An inspection took place on April 23 where officers found 15 carcasses in varying states of decomposition.

A notice was issued to clear the decomposing carcasses, and confirmation was provided this work was undertaken.

However, on checking the disposal note it was found to have been forged, and the carcasses had been transported elsewhere and dumped.

Jenkins admitted failing to dispose of 15 carcasses, failing to comply with the notice, and also knowingly giving false information to an officer.

In sentencing, magistrates also took into account that the local authority had to request Jenkins to clear carcasses on his land on three separate occasions.

He was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay costs of £1437.82 along with a victim surcharge of £190.