Michael Arundel, 54, a hobby cattle keeper, from Nafferton near Driffield, has been sentenced at Hull Magistrates’ Court for six animal health and welfare offences.
Arundel had previously pleaded guilty at Beverley Magistrates’ Court to failing to comply with a notice to have his cattle herd tested for bovine tuberculosis, failure in his duty of care to protect his cattle from disease, and failing to eartag four calves.
On Tuesday 1 October, Hull Magistrates’ Court heard how the tuberculosis tests were completed over six months late and only after enforced testing arrangements had been imposed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
This was despite Arundel having been prosecuted for identical offences in 2020 and extensive efforts by animal health officers at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, working in conjunction with the Animal and Plant Health Agency, to ensure the tuberculosis test was undertaken.
Arundel received a 12-month community order during which he is required to undertake 120 hours unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £1,107.65 costs and a £114 court administration charge.
Andrew Buxton, food services and animal health manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “It is imperative that everyone who keeps farm livestock animals, regardless of whether on a commercial basis or as a hobby, ensures they identify their animals for traceability purposes.
“They must undertake any required disease testing to protect their own animals, the wider farming industry and the ultimately the food chain.”
