TWO brothers who allowed their sheep 'significant suffering' and who were caught operating an illegal 'dead pit' on their farm have been fined.

When inspectors visited the farm of James and Brynne Backhouse they found sheep with maggot-infested feet and animal carcases improperly disposed of.

Prosecutors at court said that despite the first visit and warnings from inspectors one sheep was later found to have had its eyes pecked out because it was left unable to move.

James and Brynne Backhouse appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court today to be sentenced for 16 animal welfare and farming standards offences.

READ MORE: Illegal 'dead pit' discovered on a sheep farm near Didcot.

It follows an Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards Service investigation of the Ashdown Farm near Didcot, after a flock of sheep were found in a 'very poor condition'.

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

Prosecutors said that a number of the animals had experienced 'unnecessary suffering' and that minimal care was provided to them.

Detailing some of the neglect Kristiina Reed, prosecuting, said some sheep were found to have maggots in their feet eating at decomposing flesh.

A number of the animals were unable to stand and the court heard that some were in 'significant pain' from foot rot.

During an inspection the men were asked if they had treated the animals' condition, called 'fly strike', and James Backhouse said 'we never treat the lameness.'

Inspectors also saw five dead sheep visible in the field as well as the illegal 'dead pit.'

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One of the sheep, which was noted as being unable to stand on the first visit, was found to have had its eyes pecked out by the second day because it was unable to get up.

It was later revealed that the brothers had not kept appropriate medical records.

Prosecutor Reed described the neglect as 'prolonged' and said: "The injuries were allowed to develop and fester over a long period of time.

"The sheep sustained a high level of suffering from the injuries."

In mitigation Ken Kaar said that his clients were 'deeply remorseful' and they had been 'completely overcome by the circumstances' of their parent's ill health.

He said: "There is nothing deliberate in what the defendant's have done.

"[It was] a lapse of judgement, an inability to manage."

Sentencing, presiding magistrate Lesley Anderson ordered that each men pay a fine of £8,600 as well as court costs of £4,400, and a £170 victim surcharge.

They were also disqualified from owning sheep for two years.