Cornish Dairy Farmer Banned from Keeping Livestock After Animal Cruelty Charges

Martin John Charles Hambly, 52, a dairy farmer from Liskeard, has been banned from keeping farm animals for five years following a prosecution for animal cruelty offences. The case was initiated by Cornwall Council after officers, along with the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA), discovered cattle living in unacceptable conditions at Trenant and Ley Farms, Menheniot, Liskeard. Despite previous advice provided to Hambly, further inspections in 2025 revealed continued violations, leading to legal action.

Hambly admitted to 13 offences, including causing unnecessary suffering to a bovine, failing to provide a clean and appropriate environment for cattle, and neglecting prompt veterinary treatment for lame animals. Additionally, he failed to correctly store cattle carcasses and did not apply ear tags to sixteen dairy calves within the required timeframe. Furthermore, fifty-eight calves were not registered within 27 days of their birth.

On May 22, 2026, Hambly appeared at Truro Crown Court, where he received an 18-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay £10,000 towards costs and a £26 surcharge. Hambly has two months to dispose of his cattle and must undertake 150 hours of unpaid work as part of his sentence.

Councillor Thalia Marrington, responsible for Community Safety and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, emphasized the severity of the case, noting a particular incident involving a collapsed heifer found near death without food or water. The Council reiterated its commitment to taking action against repeated non-compliance to protect animal welfare and maintain the reputation of the Cornish farming industry.

The press release detailing the case was issued on May 28, 2026.