A Leicestershire farmer has been fined over £5,000 for multiple serious breaches of cattle identification regulations, which are designed to protect the food supply chain.
James Beesley, 34, of The Grange, Main Street, Cranoe, appeared before Leicester Magistrates’ Court on August 6, where he pleaded guilty to 20 offences. These included failing to report cattle deaths within seven days and reusing ear tags from slaughtered animals, undermining the traceability of meat.
Picture credit: Trading Standards
Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards Team, which enforces animal health and welfare laws, began investigating following a referral from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in August 2022. Beesley had failed to present his herd for mandatory tuberculosis testing.
A subsequent review of the Cattle Tracing Service (CTS) database revealed inconsistencies in 16 animal records. Despite receiving advice, Beesley did not take corrective action. In April 2023, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) alerted Trading Standards to ongoing failures dating back to 2019, including unregistered animals and improper use of ear tags.
Investigators found that Beesley had not reported cattle deaths as required and had reused tag numbers from animals that had already been slaughtered.
Prosecutors stressed the importance of compliance, noting that traceability is critical for disease control, public health, and food safety.
Defending Beesley, solicitor Tony Davis said the offences were not motivated by dishonesty or financial gain. He explained that Beesley had been overwhelmed by the demands of farming while caring for his terminally ill father, and had failed to seek help.
“This was an offence of omission, not commission,” Davis said. “The paperwork became unmanageable, and he buried his head in the sand.”
Beesley was fined £921, reduced from £1,382 due to an early guilty plea. He was also ordered to pay a £368 victim surcharge and £4,000 in prosecution costs, totalling £5,289. A collection order allows him to pay in £150 monthly instalments.
Gary Connors, head of Leicestershire Trading Standards, said:
“This case highlights the critical importance of complying with animal ID laws. They protect public health, ensure traceability, and maintain the integrity of the food chain. Farmers who fail to meet these responsibilities risk enforcement action.”
