TWO brothers pleaded guilty to 16 animal welfare and farming standards offences after an illegal 'dead pit' was discovered at a sheep farm.

Brothers James and Brynne Backhouse were charged by Oxfordshire County Council's Trading Standards Service after a long investigation of the Ashdown Farm near Didcot when a flock of sheep were found in a 'very poor condition'. 

Following an initial visit to the farm, the two brothers were adviced to seek veterinary help for the sheep, however, when officers returned to the premises they discovered an illegal 'dead pit' where the men had disposed of fallen animals' bodies.

The local authority revealed that a number of the animals had undergone unnecessary suffering and minimal care was provided to them.

They had also not recorded the administration of veterinary medicines and sheep movements on and off the farm.

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Head of Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards Jody Kerman highlighted that such poor practices can lead to spread of dangerous diseases.

He said: "Animal welfare legislation is there for very good reason, to control disease, to protect animals and to ensure the safety of the wider food chain.

"These offences put all that at risk.

"The management processes in place at the time of the investigation were clearly lacking.

"This would have hindered the traceability for animal diseases and the prevention and or spread of disease."

James and Brynne Backhouse were given unconditional bail to reappear at Oxford Magistrates Court on March 30 for sentencing.