Norway has been undergoing another wave of incidents in which farmers neglect their livestock, and end up charged with severe violations of animal welfare laws. One farmer in Jæren, western Norway, was charged earlier this month after 177 of his sheep died because poor hygiene and a lack of food.
“This is a serious case,” prosecutor Lars Fredrik Bråten told news service Roganytt. Sick and injured animals weren’t treated and the food they received lacked nourishment. Inspectors from state food safety authority Mattilsynet found several cadavers and the remains of other sheep in the grazing area used by the farmer’s flock. He has admitted to negligence and faces losing the right to ever own livestock again.
In another case, in the eastern county of Hedmark, state authorities found several cattle, sheep and hens dead. State broadcaster NRK reported that the farmer “failed to give his animals water and food over a lengthy period.” His negligence led to the deaths of many animals and those found still alive, including three horses, had to be put out of their misery. The farmer is alleged to have caused “great suffering” for his animals and he faces three years in prison. His defense attorney had no comment.
newsinenglish.no staff
