A Staffordshire farmer has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work after being sentenced for serious welfare and identification offences.
Alexander Blackwell, 41, of Wyaston Road, Yeaveley, Ashbourne, appeared at Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates’ Court on Monday 23 March 2026. He was sentenced following an earlier guilty plea to failing to meet the needs of cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry in his care.
The Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards prosecution follows multiple visits to Alder Carr Farm on Church Lane in Mayfield. During the visits, officers found animals in poor condition and livestock being kept in inadequate accommodation.
Blackwell had failed to obtain prompt veterinary treatment for several animals, had improperly segregated his stock, and had not disposed of dead animals appropriately. Officers also identified breaches of cattle identification and record‑keeping requirements.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“This was an appalling case involving prolonged and completely unacceptable conditions for large numbers of animals.
“Keeping livestock brings with it clear legal and moral responsibilities. Where these are ignored, we will take robust action to safeguard animal welfare and uphold public confidence in the farming industry.
“Our Trading Standards team work tirelessly to protect animal welfare, and this outcome reflects the seriousness of the failings they uncovered. The court’s decision sends a clear message that breaches of this scale will not be tolerated.”
In summing up before sentencing, the court expressed concern about the horrific conditions uncovered and made clear that animals had suffered as a result. The offences related to approximately 23 cattle, between 41 and 46 pigs, 200 sheep, and 100 poultry.
Blackwell was also ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge and £4,000 in costs to Staffordshire County Council.
People with concerns about the welfare of farmed animals can report them to the Animal Health & Welfare team via the Trading Standards Report It webpage.
