DOMESTIC and health problems and vandalism on his property led a Dorset farmer to commit 17 animal regulation offences and ask for some 20 similar breaches to be taken into consideration, Bournemouth Magistrates heard.

The court was told how David Griffen had failed to have proper passports for his animals, had moved them onto land without first informing the authorities, had not kept an up-to-date register and had been unsuccessful in ensuring they wore the correct ear tags.

Griffen, of Skinners Farm Bungalow, Stoke Wake, Blandford, was also found to have not disposed of dead animals properly.

The legislation broken by Mr Griffen had been introduced in 1998 as a result of the BSE outbreak and the farmer was caught out when animal health inspectors and trading standards officials first visited his farm between April and October last year.

He pleaded guilty to all charges.

Prosecuting, Paul Carter said: "There are a number of matters before you and all relate to breaches of animal welfare legislation.

"The charges fall into two groups - firstly those relating to the failure to dispose of the carcasses of dead animals, and secondly charges relating to the failure to notify relevant bodies of animals' births and movements."

Defending, Jonathan Morrissey, said: "Despite the fact the regulations were brought in to stop the spread of disease, there's no evidence that anything on his land was diseased.

"There's no question of anything getting into the food chain as a result of these breaches."

He said the 48-year-old farmer had at the time been suffering domestic and health problems, as well as being victim of a series of attacks by vandals on his land and equipment.

His business was also suffering from financial problems, claimed Mr Morrissey.

Magistrate Roger House said: "It strikes me that it all got on top of you, rather than you being devious to make more money."

Griffen was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £1,800 costs.

First published: Oct 12