Liskeard Farmer Banned After Cattle Cruelty Case
Local Farmer Handed Major Penalties Over Animal Neglect
A Liskeard-based dairy farmer has been handed a significant sentence and five-year livestock ban following a disturbing case of animal neglect that shocked local agricultural standards. Martin John Charles Hambly, 52, admitted to thirteen serious charges relating to cattle kept at Trenant and Ley Farms in Menheniot after inspectors discovered conditions that left animals suffering preventable harm.
The case centres on a young heifer found collapsed and near death, lying in accumulated dung without access to food or water—a discovery that prompted Cornwall Council and the Animal Plant and Health Agency to launch a formal investigation. Hambly’s guilty pleas covered failures to provide clean bedding, unsuitable living environments with hazardous materials, and a shocking lack of veterinary care for lame animals requiring immediate treatment.
Sentenced at Truro Crown Court last week, Hambly received an 18-week suspended sentence, 150 hours unpaid work, and ordered to pay £10,000 in costs. Most significantly, he must dispose of all remaining cattle within two months. This case represents the council’s firm stance on protecting animal welfare across our farming community.
What Residents Should Know About Farm Inspections
For those of us living in Cornwall’s rural communities—whether you’re based near Menheniot, planning a visit to Newquay, or simply care about how our local food is produced—this case highlights important oversight mechanisms designed to protect animal welfare. The initial inspection in January 2024 should have been a wake-up call; instead, Hambly continued similar practices, leading to the 2025 discovery that triggered formal enforcement action.
Cornell Council’s cabinet member for community safety, Councillor Thalia Marrington, emphasised that despite receiving detailed written advice about animal health requirements, Hambly disregarded these instructions entirely. This pattern of non-compliance—even after being warned—demonstrates why repeated inspections and escalated enforcement matter. When farmers ignore welfare standards, animals pay the ultimate price.
Local residents can report suspected animal cruelty through Cornwall Council’s environmental health team or the RSPCA. If you witness signs of neglect at any farm, smallholding, or even companion animals, reporting suspected abuse protects vulnerable creatures and maintains standards across our community. Transparency in farming practices benefits everyone.
Supporting Our Farming Community While Protecting Standards
While this case represents an unacceptable failure in animal care, it’s important to recognise that most Cornish farmers maintain high welfare standards despite genuine pressures. Hambly’s own legal representatives highlighted financial difficulties—Covid impacts, international conflicts affecting commodity prices, staffing shortages, and personal health challenges—that contributed to his overwhelmed state. These aren’t excuses for animal cruelty, but they reflect real challenges facing agricultural businesses.
Our farming community is vital to Cornwall’s identity and economy. When you visit Newquay or explore our beautiful coastline at Fistral Beach, remember that local agriculture sustains our wider community. Supporting local producers, choosing ethically-raised products, and respecting farming families matters. At the same time, accountability for those who neglect their animals strengthens the reputation of responsible farmers.
This five-year ban ensures Hambly cannot operate livestock farms during that period, giving him time to address underlying issues while protecting animal welfare. For our community, it reinforces that Cornish farming standards are taken seriously. Whether you’re a dog-friendly accommodation owner welcoming visitors, a local business, or a resident who cares about our landscape, supporting sustainable, ethical farming practices protects what makes Cornwall special.
Source: Young cow found lying in dung and near death at horror farm
