A Lincolnshire farmer has been sentenced following a prosecution by Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards for serious animal welfare offences and failures to properly dispose of deadstock.
David Coulson, 61, of Sand Lane, Market Rasen, pleaded guilty at Lincoln Crown Court to 10 offences, including causing unnecessary suffering to animals and breaching strict legal requirements on the disposal of deadstock.
The case arose from multiple inspections carried out between July 2022 and January 2024, involving Trading Standards officers and veterinary inspectors from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
During a large-scale inspection in July 2022, officers discovered extensive quantities of animal remains across the farm, including decomposing carcasses, bones and skulls scattered throughout fields and farm buildings. Many of these were located in areas where livestock were actively grazing, presenting a significant risk to both animal health and the wider food chain.
Further inspections in December 2023 and January 2024 identified sheep suffering from severe neglect, including lameness, emaciation and untreated disease. Several animals were found in such distress that they required immediate euthanasia to prevent further suffering. Veterinary evidence described the conditions as among the worst encountered in their professional experience.
In total, the evidence demonstrated that large numbers of animals had died on the farm and had not been disposed of correctly. Dead animals (fallen stock) must be collected, kept safely, and disposed of to prevent the spread of serious diseases.
The investigation also found that attempts had been made to conceal carcasses during official inspections, and that misleading information had been provided to enforcement officers. The court heard that Mr Coulson had previously received advice and formal warnings over a number of years regarding both animal welfare and disposal requirements, which were not followed.
In sentencing on 22 May 2026, Her Honour Judge Sjolin Knight highlighted the ongoing nature of the offending, noting that despite some improvements, animal welfare standards on the farm remained inconsistent and unacceptable. Evidence from a recent inspection in May 2026 demonstrated that poor conditions continued, showing that the issues were not confined to the past. The court emphasised that farmers have a responsibility not only to care for animals but also to protect their role within the food chain.
The Judge found that Mr Coulson’s focus on livestock trading and transportation had taken priority over the care of animals on the farm, resulting in welfare failures. Her Honour Judge Sjolin Knight stated Mr Coulson had “repeatedly misled and frankly lied to Trading Standards Officers. I consider there is a risk to welfare even if you transport animals.”
As a result, the Judge imposed a 13 month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and Mr Coulson was ordered to pay costs of £39,229.12.
To protect animal welfare going forward, Mr Coulson was banned from owning, keeping, dealing, transporting and being involved in the keeping of livestock. The order is in place indefinitely (until further order of the court).
Emma Milligan, Operational Delivery Manager for Lincolnshire Trading Standards, said:
“It would have been immediately clear to anyone visiting David Coulson’s farm with our officers that animals were being kept in extremely poor conditions. Coulson’s role transporting animals meant that large numbers of them came under his care, and many were exposed to neglect despite repeated advice and support from Trading Standards and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to improve standards. Over a prolonged period, animals on the farm suffered from neglect, poor nutrition and disease, leading to a significant number of avoidable deaths.”
Cllr Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for community safety, added:
“Lincolnshire has a proud agricultural heritage, but farmers like David Coulson give the industry a bad name. We support livestock farmers to keep their animals healthy, but when someone ignores our advice and repeatedly tries to hide their offences, we have to take action. I’m pleased to see Mr Coulson finally prosecuted for his crimes and I hope this sends a strong message on how we support the vast majority of Lincolnshire farmers who do right by their animals.”
If you have any concerns about animals being mistreated in Lincolnshire, you can report this to Lincolnshire Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or by visiting www.citizensadvice.org/consumer.