A CHESHIRE man has pleaded guilty to a number of animal cruelty offences.

Scott Paul Buckland, 40, of Packhorse Close, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, admitted seven charges in relation to animal welfare at his poultry premises in Winsford.

He pleaded guilty to those offences at the first opportunity when he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday, August 23.

He admitted that, between December 12, 2020 and January 26 this year, he failed to comply with the minimum biosecurity measures as part of the avian flu outbreak.

He also pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to 91 poultry, two sheep and two rabbits between December 26, 2020 and January 26, 2021. During that time he also admitted failing to write to the Secretary of State identifying his Winsford poultry premises, which he was required to do during the avian flu outbreak.

During those dates, he also admitted failing to dispose of 43 poultry carcasses.

Finally, Buckland pleaded guilty to intentionally obstructing an authorised person by setting fire to the seized evidence of 43 poultry carcasses, in an offence dating from February 26.

Buckland denied two further charges of failing to dispose of three poultry carcasses on March 31 and causing unnecessary suffering to 12 poultry, also from March 31.

Prosecuting on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Ian Moore said no further action would be taken by the prosecution on the two charges to which Buckland had pleaded not guilty.

The court heard a pre-sentence report would be required for Buckland, who represented himself at the hearing.

The case was adjourned for sentencing until September 20, with Buckland bailed unconditionally.