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Woodbridge farmer fined £27,000 over dead sheep discoveries

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

A farmer has been ordered to pay £27,000 after Trading Standards officers found multiple dead sheep carcasses left on his land over a 10-month period.

Why it matters: The case highlights serious breaches of animal welfare and livestock disposal regulations, which are designed to protect public health and maintain food chain safety.

The details: Richard William Parry, director of Woodbridge-based Mint & Mustard Produce, failed to safely dispose of dead livestock at his Gedgrave area farm between December 2022 and October 2023.

Sheep cadaver decaying afer being stuck in a fence
A sheep cadaver decaying afer being stuck in a fence for illustration purposes – not of a sheep described in this caseGetty Images

Trading Standards officers discovered:

  • 13 dead sheep and a full animal by-product bin in December 2022 at Gedgrave

  • Seven dead sheep and sheep bones in June 2023 at Gedgrave and Hazlewood Hall Farm, Saxmundham

  • Five dead sheep and bones in October 2023 at Gedgrave, along with another full animal by-product bin

By the numbers:

  • Mint & Mustard Produce was fined £10,000 plus a £2,000 victim surcharge

  • Parry personally was fined £5,000 with a £2,000 victim surcharge

  • He was ordered to pay an additional £8,000 in costs

  • Some carcasses had been left for weeks or months, according to veterinary inspectors

What they're saying: "This was a particularly distressing case for everyone involved," said Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public health and public protection. "Animal welfare and the disposal of dead livestock legislation is there for very good reason, to control disease, to protect animals and to ensure the safety of the food chain - these offences put all of that at risk."

The bottom line: Despite repeated warnings from Trading Standards officers throughout the period, Parry continued to breach regulations, leading to prosecution at Peterborough Magistrates Court.

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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