A dairy farmer has been banned from keeping farm animals after being prosecuted for animal cruelty offences.
Martin John Charles Hambly, 52, from Liskeard, admitted to 13 offences relating to cattle farmed at Trenant and Ley Farms, Menheniot, Liskeard.
The prosecution was brought by Cornwall Council after officers from the Council and APHA (Animal Plant and Health Agency) discovered animals in unacceptable conditions, despite advice being given following earlier visits.
In January 2024 officers visited Trenant and Ley Farms and found a number of breaches of the Animal Health & Welfare legislation. Hambly received advice from the Council and a caution following the visit.
In 2025 inspections at the farms uncovered further offending, which led to the prosecution.
Hambly entered guilty pleas to thirteen charges including:
• Causing unnecessary suffering to a bovine.
• Failing to provide cattle with a clean and well drained lying area.
• Two counts of failing to provide cattle with a suitable environment namely that they had access to hazardous items.
• Four counts of failing to provide prompt or effective veterinary treatment to cattle that were lame.
• Two counts of failing to store by products, namely cattle carcases, in accordance with the regulations.
• Two counts of failing to apply ear tags to sixteen dairy calves within 36 hours of birth.
• Failing to register fifty-eight calves within 27 days of birth.
On Friday May 22, 2026, he was sentenced at Truro Crown Court.
Hambly was given credit for the early guilty pleas and for co-operating with the investigation.
He received an 18-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was banned from keeping all farmed livestock for five years. He now has two months to dispose of his cattle.
Hambly was also ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work, pay £10,000 towards costs and a £26 surcharge.
Councillor Thalia Marrington, cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said: “Despite being given detailed advice regarding animal health and welfare requirements, Hambly failed to care for his animals properly.
“This was a particularly nasty case, involving a collapsed heifer (a young cow), found near-death, lying-in dung with no food or water.
“Where officers find repeated non-compliance, the Council will take action to protect animals from cruelty and maintain the reputation of the Cornish farming industry.”
Press release issued on May 28, 2026