A FARMER has been banned from keeping animals for life after sheep in his care died from neglect.

David Harding entered a guilty plea when he appeared before magistrates in Kidderminster.

The court heard Harding had failed to comply with an animal by-product requirement on or before July 10, 2019, by failing to ensure animals and birds did not have access to dead sheep.

The 66-year-old also admitted failing to ensure his animals' needs were met by allowing them to be exposed to physical, biological, and chemical hazards.

Magistrates said the offences were serious as there was prolonged neglect of the animals including potential exposure to chemicals, and as some of the sheep had died as a result of the neglect.

Harding, of Madley, Herefordshire, was handed an eight week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and banned from keeping animals, with the exception of one domestic dog, for life.

He must also pay costs of £3,018.18 and a £122 victim surcharge.