A Powys farmer has been convicted of illegally docking the tails of lambs.
Guy Hodnett, 64, of Brook House, Knighton, admitted two offences of causing unnecessary to a protected animal when he appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 20th January 2026.
Causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal is an offence under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The maximum sentence is 5 years' custody and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment; 12 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction.
Docking is routinely carried out in order to improve the general hygiene of sheep and prevent them from getting fly strike.
Magistrates heard that Hodnett purchased a group of more than 80 lambs over the age of 6 months old and docked their tails by applying rubber bands. He did this without using any anaesthetic or painkillers.
This unmedicated method of docking is permitted by The Mutilations (Permitted Procedures)(Wales) Regulations 2007, but only on newly born lambs less than seven days old.
Rubber rings may not be applied to any sheep over seven days old. Any sheep over three months of age may only be tail docked by a veterinary surgeon using appropriate pain relief and anaesthesia.
According to evidence by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Hodnett's actions demonstrated a lack of basic knowledge, competence and stockmanship in relation to sheep.
His crude methods also significantly delayed the healing process, thereby increasing the pain and suffering of the animals concerned.
Magistrates heard that the defendant was previously of good character.
Hodnett was fined £403 and ordered to pay £161 surcharge and £2,000 towards prosecution costs.
Cllr Richard Church of Powys County Council, which brought the prosecution, said: "Animal welfare is a fundamental responsibility for anyone who keeps livestock, and the circumstances of this case are simply unacceptable. The level of suffering caused to these sheep was entirely avoidable, and the actions taken showed a clear disregard for both the law and the wellbeing of the animals involved.
"Our officers work hard to support farmers in meeting their obligations, but where those standards are ignored, we will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action. This prosecution sends a clear message that Powys County Council will act to protect animal welfare and uphold the standards that the vast majority of our farming community meet every day."
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