Rabbits, pigs and poultry find new homes after smallholder prosecuted

28 pigs, including five newborn piglets, have all gone to smallholder Abby Jelley, who previously owned some of the sows, was a witness in the investigation and is also helping with further rehoming Picture: SUFFOLK TRADING STANDARDS (Image: Suffolk Trading Standards)

Last month, Matthew Lowe was banned from owning farm animals for at least five years after an inspection of land in Assington, near Sudbury, discovered rabbits in such poor health that some were put down.

The 39-year-old, from Newton, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by failing to attend to their welfare or seek help for their poor health. He also admitted failing to let authorities know he began keeping pigs and failing to ensure an enclosure was safe for piglets.

In addition, he pleaded guilty to attending to pigs, poultry and rabbits without the appropriate ability, knowledge or professional competence, and failing to provide four sows with an environment away from other animals.

Lowe was remorseful and “thoroughly embarrassed by the state of affairs” on his land, which was inspected last December after concerned calls from a neighbour.

Remaining rabbits will go to an experienced local smallholder Picture: SUFFOLK TRADING STANDARDS (Image: Suffolk Trading Standards)

He was given an eight-week suspended jail sentence, ordered to carry out unpaid work and handed a £4,899 bill for costs.

Lowe’s partner has taken over the smallholding and signed over almost 100 animals to Suffolk Trading Standards, including 28 pigs (five born since the prosecution), which have all gone to smallholder Abby Jelley, who previously owned some of the sows and was a witness in the investigation.

Another smallholder will take control of 23 poultry, while 25 rabbits have either found new homes or are awaiting adoption.

A adult white rabbit and her seven young – dubbed Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – have moved to RSPCA Suffolk and East Ipswich, while two American sables rabbits, Casper and Evie, have moved to RSPCA West Suffolk to be neutered and made available for adoption as a pair.

Matthew Lowe was banned from owning farm animals for a minimum of five years Picture: SUFFOLK TRADING STANDARDS (Image: Suffolk Trading Standards)

The remaining rabbits will go to an experienced local smallholder.

Clair Missen, Suffolk Trading Standards officer, said: “We have visited the site since the prosecution and seen remarkable improvements since Mrs Lowe has taken it over. Suffolk Trading Standards officers will be in regular contact with her to offer support and advice.

“The remaining livestock are now a smaller, more manageable number, ensuring their needs are better met, with less chance of unwanted breeding.”

A white doe and her young, called called Snow White and the seven dwarves, have moved to the RSPCA Suffolk and East Ipswich Picture: SUFFOLK TRADING STANDARDS (Image: Suffolk Trading Standards)

Two American sable rabbits have moved to the West Suffolk branch of the RSPCA to be neutered and made available to adopt as a pair Picture: SUFFOLK TRADING STANDARDS (Image: Suffolk Trading Standards)

Matthew Lowe's partner signed over 25 rabbits to Suffolk Trading Standards Picture: SUFFOLK TRADING STANDARDS (Image: Suffolk Trading Standards)

One of the rabbits found on a smallholding operated by Matthew Lowe near Sudbury. The rabbit was later put down Picture: SUFFOLK TRADING STANDARDS (Image: Suffolk Trading Standards)

A rabbit found on a smallholding operated by Matthew Lowe near Sudbury Picture: SUFFOLK TRADING STANDARDS (Image: Suffolk Trading Standards)