A butcher in Wiltshire has cut ties with a local farm that pleaded guilty to mistreating its pigs.

On Tuesday, June 11, Roger Keen Farms Ltd, of Sandridge Farm in Bromham, was fined £25,000 after pleading guilty to failing to meet the needs of its pigs and permitting unnecessary suffering to the animals.

During visits to the farm in 2021, senior Animal Health Officers found pigs had “chronic” health issues and multiple animals had to be euthanised.

Expert witness for the prosecution Sophia Hepple told the court there was evidence of poor conditions, unnecessary risks of injury or disease, and cannibalism at the farm.

Walter Rose & Son, a butcher on Sidmouth Street in Devizes which has traded since 1847, has since confirmed it has severed ties with the supplier.

Director Stephen Cook labelled the offences “inhuman and despicable.”

He said: “It is with regret, that in the light of the recent news concerning Sandridge Farm, and the ill-treatment of their pigs, we have made the decision to sever all relations with the company.

“Walter Rose & Son has, for the 47 years that I have owned the business, prioritised animal welfare, and I will not tolerate such inhuman and despicable acts of cruelty against the livestock that we use.”

READ MORE: Wiltshire farm fined £25k over pig 'cannibalism' cases

The conditions at the farmThe conditions at the farm (Image: Wiltshire Council)

Mr Cook added that Walter Rose & Son only learned of the offences once the news was reported by the press.

The company has since taken “immediate” action and is now searching for a new bacon supplier.

Mr Cook added: “We only learned of this from the press a couple of days ago and have acted immediately.

“We will make a further announcement when an alternative source of bacon is determined.

“Please accept my sincere apologies for any stress or worry that this news may have caused you.

“We will always stick to the values and principles we believe in and never compromise on this.”

Roger Keen Farms Ltd stopped keeping pigs in September 2022, according to Wiltshire Council.

Cabinet member for public protection, Cllr Dominic Muns, said the council would not tolerate mistreatment of animals.

He added: “Wiltshire has a small and dedicated team of Animal Health and Welfare Officers who work to enforce the legislation designed to help protect animal health and welfare.

“When it is found that animals are not being taken care of properly, our hard-working officers won’t hesitate to act decisively.

“We’re pleased with the court’s decision in this case and hope it sends a strong message this will not be tolerated in Wiltshire.”