Slaughterhouse owner banned from keeping livestock for 20 years

Ian Lancaster, from Carthorpe, near Bedale in North Yorkshire, appeared at Northallerton Magistrates' Court for 20 counts relating to animal cruelty and contravening health regulations.

Although four counts relating to the unnecessary suffering of animals, failing to comply with by-product regulations for manure, food hygiene regulations and general food regulations were dismissed, Lancaster faced a further 16 similar charges.

Judge Lower banned Lancaster from owning livestock and managing a food business for 20 years and gave him a three-year conditional discharge. Lancaster was also ordered to pay costs of £500 each to Trading Standards and Hambleton District Council.

Lancaster's farm was investigated by Trading Standards and Hambleton District Council, with a raid taking place in May 2013.

The prosecution said that, following the investigation, animals had to be put down because of their injuries and ill-health, and that the farm was in a filthy state.

Prosecution added that authority inspectors described various farm buildings as in a "foul"​ condition with dead and living animals together.

According to Lancaster's defence team, the situation occurred due to the volume he took on during 2013.

Taking this into account when delivering the sentence, Judge Lower said: "What strikes me is that you are a caring man who wants to do his best to help, but in doing that you took on far too much.​

"It was your responsibility to look after the animals, but you failed spectacularly. However, I have to take into account the effect this has had on your health, and you are not a well man."​