A LIVESTOCK dealer who was caught taking sick sheep to a Preston abattoir has been fined £450 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs.

David Ashley Holmes of Davies Drive, Wingerworth, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, was found guilty at Chorley Magistrates' Court of three offences in breach of the Welfare of Animals During Transport Order 1994.

The offences were discovered in November 1995 when an official veterinary surgeon on duty at a Preston abattoir became worried about the condition of sheep taken there by Mr Holmes.

Many of the animals showed signs of sheep scab and some were lame from foot rot and scald. Three lambs which were badly lame had to be put down.

A spokesman for the County Council's Animal Health and Welfare Section said: "It is the responsibility of anyone who transports livestock to ensure that all animals are fit to travel and legal requirements are adhered to. Action will be taken against anyone contravening the regulations."

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