Following the discovery of several cattle in “extremely poor condition,” some of which were dead or severely malnourished, a Staffordshire livestock owner was handed a suspended prison sentence and forbidden from raising animals for ten years, according to a council.
Jennifer Bennett, 30, appeared before Newcastle Magistrates Court on Thursday for “serious and prolonged animal welfare failings” involving a herd of nearly 100 cattle at a farm in Uttoxeter, according to Staffordshire County Council, which filed the case.
According to the authorities, Bennett was sentenced to 12 months of community service and 14 weeks of suspended jail time.
In addition, a £154 victim surcharge and £1,000 in costs were imposed on her.
The prosecution followed the council’s trading standards animal health team’s surprise visit of the farm on Hodge Lane in March of last year.
According to the authorities, officers discovered many deceased animals as well as some that were malnourished and unable to stand.
It further stated that calves were kept in unclean conditions and that animals were discovered to lack proper access to food and water.
According to the council, about 100 of the animals were taken off the property to end their misery, and many of them received veterinary care.
The authority stated that some had to be put down because of their bad health.
Bennett’s father, Alan Bennett, who was in charge of the cattle’s daily care, was scheduled to be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court at a later time, according to Staffordshire County Council.
After severe and persistent animal care violations involving a herd of nearly 100 cattle at a farm were discovered, a Staffordshire farmer was jailed. The North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard an appearance from Jennifer Bennett of Brookside View, Hodge Lane, Birchcross, Uttoxeter.
The 30-year-old was given a 14-week suspended jail sentence, 12 months of community service, £1,000 in costs, and a £154 victim surcharge. For ten years, she has been prohibited from owning animals.
It came when the Trading Standards Animal Health Team of Staffordshire County Council conducted an unexpected check in March 2025.
Officers discovered a number of cattle in very bad shape, including many dead animals and other malnourished animals that were unable to stand. They also discovered calves kept in filthy conditions and cattle without sufficient access to water or nourishment.
To stop more suffering, around 100 livestock were taken off the farm. Many received intensive veterinary care, but some had to be put down because of their bad health.
“Jennifer Bennett is the person responsible for the welfare of the animals as the legal owner and there was a significant period of neglect which led to disease and death,” District Judge Joseph O’Connor stated to the court.