FIFTY-THREE pigs, facing a death sentence after being removed from Pembroke Dock ‘horror farm’ Bramble Hall, are expected to have their fates decided by next Friday, March 29.

On January 28 and 29, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Animal Health and Welfare Team obtained and executed court warrants at Bramble Hall Farm, Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock, with the support of other agencies and parties.

A report may be seen here.

In total 53 pigs, 80 sheep, three goats, 58 dogs, 20 horses and one donkey were removed, as supported by veterinary opinion.

All of the animals taken into possession were transported to pre-arranged, safe locations where they have been cared for appropriately, under the control of the Council.

On March 7, the council successfully applied to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for the forfeiture (permanent confiscation) of animals seized.

The request for the order was made against Sean Burns and others, of Rosehill Lodge, Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock.

Representing PCC, Rhian Young said Bramble Hall Farm had previously been convicted in January 2018 for operating an illegal dog breeding establishment, animal welfare and animal by-product offences.

The 2019 incident saw several visits following an anonymous tip-off of alleged illegal slaughtering of sheep carcasses at the farm to produce ‘smokies’.

“What they found was a number of chained sheep carcasses, with 20 pigs and piglets competing with each other to feed on the carcasses,” Miss Young told the court.

The successful Pembrokeshire County Council request for a civil order sought for 20 horses and a donkey to be put in the care of the RSPCA, 50 dogs to the Dogs Trust, 80 sheep and three goats to the county council to be sold, and 53 pigs to be destroyed.

The court heard the pigs would have to be destroyed due to them all having access to animal by-products, presenting a risk to public health if they found their way in to the food supply chain.

The respondents, Sean Burns and others of Rosehill Lodge, have the right to appeal this order.

The council is continuing to investigate a range of related offences in respect of a number of individuals.

A petition calling for the pigs to be spared has amassed nearly 9,000 signatures to date.

The petition is hosted at 38 Degrees.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: “All of the animals taken into possession by PCC under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (Section 20) order are currently under a 21-day appeal period in which the defendant has the right to appeal (March 29); nothing will happen before this date.”