Oaklands Farms Faces Legal Action for Animal Cruelty

At the Kidderminster Magistrates Court hearing on Thursday, three men, including Joshua Whittall from Oaklands Farm, pled guilty to charges under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. These actions follow the earlier prosecution of Derek Whittall, the farm's owner, who was banned from keeping cattle for five years after admitting offenses under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and The Cattle Identification Regulations 2007. He was also sentenced to undertake unpaid work and pay prosecution costs.

The case stems from undercover footage obtained by Animal Justice Project, which revealed extreme mistreatment of calves, including kicking and deprivation of essentials like food and water. As a result, Müller, a prominent dairy company, cut ties with Oaklands Farms.

Now, Joshua Whittall, Kevin Arden, and John Challinor have been held accountable. Each has been fined £595, ordered to complete 160 hours of unpaid work, and disqualified from keeping farmed animals for life.

Claire Palmer, Director of Animal Justice Project, said, "This case demonstrates that those who exploit and abuse vulnerable animals will be held accountable. The cruelty exposed is not an isolated incident but part of a broken system that treats animals as disposable commodities." Edie Bowles, Director of Advocates for Animals, added, "This case is a testament to the impact that animal charities can have using private prosecutions to deliver justice for animals."