An Orkney councillor has been handed 120 hours of unpaid work and a two-year supervision order for neglecting cattle so badly that two of them had to be put to sleep.
68-year-old James Robert Moar of Deerness, Orkney pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his cattle through failing to provide veterinary treatment, an adequate diet or suitable conditions at Kirkwall Sheriff Court on 21 December 2022 and was sentenced at the same court on 17 March 2023.
Scottish SPCA inspector Andy Brown said “On 5 May 2022 we received a report from a member of the public who was concerned about cattle on Moar’s premises.
“We attended the address and could immediately see an emaciated, black cow lying down in a field. There were other cattle who were visibly very lame within the same field.
“Due to our concerns about the condition of the cattle, we immediately contacted a vet to attend and examine the animals. James Moar was out at the time but returned to the property when we called and advised him on the reason for our visit.
“The cow lying in the field would not stand until encouraged and was lame on her left back leg. Her leg was significantly swollen and she could only walk for four or five steps before she had to lie down again. She kept up a low groan whilst she was standing.
“The cow was suffering from a severe infection in her left hind foot which had progressed to joint infection – this was an end stage foot infection with no chance of recovery. Infection such as this take several weeks or more to progress to the stage seen and, combined with the extremely poor body condition, it was estimated this cow had been suffering for a period longer than four weeks.
“The vet advised Mr Moar that the cow would need to be euthanised immediately to prevent further suffering.
“An emaciated black cow was found standing in the shed. She tried to walk but slipped and fell backwards. She then made no further attempt to rise.
“The cow was extremely thin and her left hind foot was markedly swollen extending up the leg.
“The vet again advised Mr Moar that the cow would need to be put to sleep and this was carried out immediately.
“Once euthanised, the vet noticed that the lateral claw of her left hind foot was missing and the surface was oozing blood. Mr Moar advised she had not received any treatment within the last month and that prior to this she had received one injection of antibiotic.
“We returned to the location on 6 May and 17 May and found several more emaciated and lame animals, some of which Moar was attempting to treat himself with broad spectrum antibiotics.
“We found cattle in fields which had discarded wire and other hazards, as well as food and bedding contaminated by faecal matter.
“It’s extremely disappointing that Moar has only received 120 hours of unpaid work considering the levels of neglect his cattle suffered and the appalling conditions they were kept in.
“Moar was unwilling or unable to exhibit any competent or diligent stock keeping skills and the welfare of his animals was compromised as a result.
“We dread to think what would have happened had we not stepped in and prevented these animals from possibly enduring any more pain, discomfort or suffering.
“If anyone has concerns about an animal they should call our confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.”
