Gaerdolbenmaen farmer jailed for animal cruelty

Aug 18 2008 By Paul Scott

A FARMER from Gaerndolbenmaen has been sent to prison for 15 months after being found guilty of animal cruelty and other related offences.

Arfon Jones, of Llystyn Gwyn, Bryncir, was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court today (Monday).

He was given four months imprisonment in respect of 12 specimen charges brought by Gwynedd Council relating to cruelty to animals, failure to dispose of animal carcases and failure to notify the authorities of the death of cattle.

He received a further three months in respect of charges relating to assaults upon an RSPCA inspector and police officers. He also asked for 12 further offences to be taken into consideration.

He will also serve a suspended sentence of eight months imprisonment imposed in March.

Action was taken against Mr Jones after trading standards inspectors found the carcases of 30 sheep and cattle lying undisposed on the land. The officers also found signs that one of the animals, a calf had become stuck in the mud and had struggled to free itself before dying.

Dilys Phillips, of Gwynedd Council, said: “This is one of the worst cases of animal neglect that we have ever faced in Gwynedd and the penalty imposed by the court reflects the extent of the offences.