Father and Daughter Sentenced for Animal Cruelty in Pembrokeshire

Richard Scarfe, 44, and his daughter Brogan Scarfe, 26, were sentenced for mistreating farm animals, which included pigs, sheep, dogs, and poultry, at their Pembrokeshire farm. The court heard that animals were kept without regular food and water, leading to severe distress and cannibalistic behaviour among the pigs.

In April 2023, animal welfare officers seized nearly 100 animals, including one cow, 26 sheep, 43 pigs, 23 poultry, and five dogs, under the Animal Welfare Act and relocated them to sanctuary.

Footage presented in Swansea Crown Court depicted pigs in distress, with some showing severe injuries and even cannibalistic behaviour, attributed to overcrowding and competition for limited food supply. One pig was discovered with a chewed ear.

The conditions were described as appalling, with dogs found locked in makeshift kennels filled with faeces, and sheep and lambs showing clear signs of malnutrition, with ribs visible on some animals.

Councillor Jacob Williams condemned the unnecessary suffering of the animals. He highlighted the lack of proper care despite initial guidance provided to the Scarfes to improve conditions.

On January 25, 2022, Richard Scarfe had been previously banned for five years from keeping animals due to earlier animal welfare offences. Following this, local authority officers regularly monitored the farm to ensure compliance.

The court learned that animal care continued to deteriorate, as both Richard and Brogan Scarfe failed to ensure their needs were met. Veterinary input confirmed that the animals were suffering due to serious care failures.

Richard Scarfe pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals, while Brogan Scarfe admitted to failing to meet the needs of the animals under her care. Both entered their pleas on the second day of the trial.

Defence lawyers argued for leniency, noting Richard Scarfe's lack of prior convictions and personal circumstances, while acknowledging his failure to meet animal welfare standards.

Judge Catherine Richards issued a lifetime ban on Richard Scarfe from keeping animals, sentencing him to 11 months in prison, suspended for 12 months, along with community service and rehabilitation requirements. Brogan Scarfe received a 12-month community order, including a five-year disqualification from keeping animals.