Clackmannanshire pair banned from keeping farm animals
A Clackmannanshire couple have been banned from keeping livestock after mistreating pigs and horses at a small farm in Fishcross.
The 46-year-old woman and 47-year-old man were fined a total of £450 after they were convicted of keeping three adult sows, 14 piglets, four horses and some hens in unsuitable conditions.
Clackmannanshire Council seized the animals after an inspection in July 2012.
They have since been re-homed.
Animal health and welfare inspectors found the animals held in two small fields which consisted of mud, small patches of over-grazed grass and ragwort, which is highly toxic to livestock.
No feed was available for the animals, broken glass was scattered on the ground and the fields were divided by a makeshift wooden fence with protruding nails.
The couple were found guilty of offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act at Alloa Sheriff Court, and banned from keeping non-domestic animals for two years.
A Clackmannanshire Council spokesman said: "It was clear that the original owners did not possess the necessary skills or expertise to look after these animals properly, and they failed to seek appropriate veterinary advice.
"The welfare of these animals was severely compromised.
"We hope that this conviction sends a clear message to those who are responsible for animals but fail to satisfy their basic welfare requirements."