An Orkney councillor has been sentenced to more than 100 hours of unpaid work after neglecting his cattle so badly that two of them had to be put down.
James Robert Moar - councillor for East Mainland, Burray and South Ronaldsay - pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his livestock through failing to provide veterinary treatment, an adequate diet or suitable conditions.
Appearing at Kirkwall Sheriff Court today, the 68-year-old, from Deerness, was handed 120 hours of community service and a two-year supervision order.
Scottish SPCA inspector Andy Brown said he first received reports of concern for the cattle on May 5 last year. Upon their arrival to the Moar's premises, inspectors found several of the cows were malnourished and unable to move.
He explained: “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."
Mr Brown said one of the cows was lame on her left back leg, which was significantly swollen, and unable to walk more than four or five steps. Upon examination, the animal was found to have a serious infection, which had likely progressed over several weeks and was now deemed untreatable.
He added: “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. The vet advised Mr Moar that the cow would need to be euthanised immediately to prevent further suffering."
Another emaciated black cow, found standing in a shed with their left hind foot "markedly swollen", also had to be put down.
Mr Brown said: “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."
SSPCA officers returned to Moar's property on May 6 and May 17, where several more emaciated and lame animals were discovered in fields with "discarded wire and other hazards, as well as food and bedding contaminated by faecal matter".
Speaking on Moar's sentencing, Mr Brown said it was "extremely disappointing" he had only received 120 hours of unpaid work given the "levels of neglect his cattle suffered and the appalling conditions they were kept in".
He said: “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.
"Anyone who is concerned for the welfare of an animal is advised to contact the SSPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999."
Moar and Orkney Islands Council were contacted for comment.
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