Published 9 January 2026
Wiltshire Council’s Animal Health team has issued four Animal Penalty Notices (APNs) totalling more than £16,000 to two Hampshire farmers, following an investigation into serious animal welfare breaches.
Wiltshire Council’s Animal Health team has issued four Animal Penalty Notices (APNs) totalling more than £16,000 to two Hampshire farmers, following an investigation into serious animal welfare breaches.
In April, shortly after it had been sold at market, a Wiltshire Council Animal Health Officer observed that a Holstein Fresian cow presented with discharge coming from a severe udder lesion. The animal had been transported from Hampshire to Salisbury for the auction. The officer photographed the lesion and shared the images with a Senior Veterinary Inspector at the Animal and Plant Health Agency nior Veterinary Inspector at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Believing it to be an abscess that had ruptured, the vet advised that the cow could be sent to an abattoir, euthanised at the market, or returned home for veterinary care. The owner opted for euthanasia.
Further evidence, including photos, videos, and medicine records, was reviewed by an APHA expert witness, who concluded that the cow was suffering from a necrotising soft tissue infection that had likely developed over a number of weeks. The cow was also assessed as extremely thin. She stated that the lesion would have caused the animal extreme pain and that veterinary advice should have been sought before the transport and sale. Due to the clear breach of animal welfare legislation, both farmers were issued with APNs.
APNs are an important enforcement tool, enabling officers to respond proportionately to breaches of animal welfare legislation without lengthy and costly court proceedings. They act as both an educational measure and a deterrent, encouraging compliance and preventing repeat offences.
Both parties have since paid the fines. Penalties are reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days. As APNs
are not court convictions, those involved cannot be publicly named.
Cllr Paul Sample, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: Animal welfare is a top priority for us as a council, and this case sends an important message, neglecting veterinary care for animals who are suffering is unacceptable.
APNs allow us to act quickly, ensuring valuable lessons are learned without the need for lengthy and costly court cases. I want to thank our Animal Health team for their professionalism and dedication in this case. We will continue to work closely with famers to uphold the highest standards of care and compliance in our communities.
To find out more about how the council’s Animal Health team, including how to report concerns, people should visit: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/trading-standards-farming-advice-support.