TWO farmers have admitted feeding their cattle ice cream, pastry mixes and mince pies when they appeared in court.

Ian Martin Francis, 36, and Wilfred Francis, 39, both of Yr Ackery Farm, Dark Lane, Burton near Rossett faced a raft of animal welfare charges when they appeared at Wrexham Magistrates’ Court.

The charges relate to a failures under animal by-product legislation, movement of cattle and animal welfare regulations.

Ian Francis admitted three counts of failing to comply with an animal by-product requirement in August last year and September this year along with three counts of failing to notify the the Secretary of State within three days of movement of cattle on or off a holding between August and October last year.

He also admitted failing to notify the death of an animal and entering detail in and animal passport between August and October last year.

He pleaded guilty to five counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by failing to seek veterinary attention, drinking water, clean and dry bedding and a suitable shed for birthing, all in February and March this year.

Francis also admitted five animal welfare charges relating to keeping calves in a large hutch without any bedding and without access to water or food.

The charges also related to keeping five cows and five calves in an overcrowded bull pen containing hazardous scrap metal objects, both in February this year.

Francis admitted three charges of contravening animal welfare regulations by failing to feed animals a wholesome diet by giving them cattle waste, ice cream, pastry mixes, mince pies and other human food.

He also failed to disinfect stalls, pens and utensils used by calves and failing to remove faeces and uneaten food, all in February this year.

Wilfred Francis admitted a similar five counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, five similar animal welfare charges and three charges of contravening animal welfare regulations.

He also pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to comply with an animal by-product requirement, administering an unauthorised anaesthetic to an animal in February this year, three counts of failing to notify within three days the movement of cattle on or off a holding, as well as one charge of failing to notify the death of an animal and enter detail in animal passport.

Magistrates said all sentencing options were being considered and would not rule out sending the case to the crown court.

They adjourned the case for pre-sentence reports to be prepared for a hearing at North East Wales Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Mold on November 12.