Devon farming family banned from keeping livestock for 10 years over repeated animal welfare failures

A family of livestock and dairy farmers from Devon has been banned from keeping cattle, sheep, and pigs for 10 years following repeated animal welfare offences.

Edward Dunn, 79, Rosemund Dunn, 76, and their son William Dunn, 50, of Underdown Farm, Exbourne, pleaded guilty to multiple offences at Exeter Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 26.

The offences occurred across their two adjacent farms, Underdown Farm and East Barton Farm, which have approximately 170 cattle. Edward and Rosemund Dunn jointly own the farms, with William Dunn responsible for their day-to-day management.

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William Dunn admitted to 24 offences, including six counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals. Edward and Rosemund Dunn each pleaded guilty to 10 charges of failing to ensure the welfare of animals.

Between 2023 and 2025, Heart of the South West Trading Standards and the Animal and Plant Health Agency inspected the farms several times.

Inspectors found untreated lame cows, vulnerable calves surrounded by broken bicycles, piles of rubbish, gas canisters, and broken bottles.

Livestock were found without adequate shelter, food, or water.

On one occasion, a cow was found lying in a field, soaking wet, shivering from pain and cold, and unable to stand.

Other cattle were discovered standing in knee-deep slurry with no feed except wrapped bales, which they had to eat through plastic to access.

A young heifer had injuries consistent with being lifted in a tractor bucket without veterinary treatment.

A baby calf was found unresponsive with laboured breathing in a small hutch; it had not received treatment and later died.

Dead cattle were found in cubicles or partially buried in areas accessible to livestock during several visits, increasing the risk of disease.

Officers repeatedly gave clear advice to the Dunns on what needed to be improved. However, this advice was ignored on each occasion.

District Judge Smith described the images and videos from the inspections as “shocking” and “distressing to see,” adding there was “compelling evidence” many animals had suffered for a “significant period of time.”

He said there were “repeated failures to ensure the welfare of cattle.”

The judge stated: “No doubt farming is very demanding, but you should have maintained standards of hygiene and the wellbeing of the herd. I don’t consider your intent was to cause harm or problems with parlour. Overwhelmed. Beyond your capacity. You allowed things to happen and didn’t act on advice.
Devon has a proud heritage of dairy farming and your neglect and disregard of welfare could cause damage to the reputation of our dairy industry.”

Counsel Phillipa Harper said in mitigation that the offences were “not intentional cruelty” but resulted from “a myriad of problems that had built up since the pandemic,” including increasing debt, difficulties in employing workers, and Edward Dunn’s declining health.

She added that William Dunn was “left doing too much on his own,” was “overwhelmed and disorganised,” and “is extremely remorseful.”

Alex Fry, Operations Manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards, said: “The conditions in which these animals were kept fell well below acceptable welfare standards. The Dunn’s failure to follow our advice left us with no alternative but to take formal action against them in the courts. We have a duty to ensure that animal welfare standards are complied with.”

Councillor Simon Clist, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for Trading Standards and a farmer, said: “While taking action like this is often the last resort, trading standards will take appropriate action to ensure that animals are kept in a safe and healthy environment. Farming is a large part of our economy, and the continuing welfare of animals is a priority for the service and of concern to the wider public.

"I understand how difficult farming can be but please, if you are a farmer and you are struggling, seek help; there is support available. Because if you don’t you could be putting your livelihood at risk.”