Trading Standards bosses in Cumbria are warning they will come down heavily on any farmer who fails to keep on top of livestock records.

Their clear message to any farmer in A farmer has been fined more than £23,000 after admitting a catalogue of record-keeping failures.

Michael Dixon, of WR & JE Dixon in Hayton, Aspatria, appeared in front of the magistrates where he admitted 12 specimen charges and asked for a further 249 related offences to be taken into consideration.

Cumbria County Council brought the charges on behalf of its Trading Standards department, after alleging the failures could have led to the spread of diseases such as bovine TB and BSE.

It followed a three year investigation into malpractice by the farming business.

Cumbria Trading Standards found that Mr Dixon had failed to apply for cattle passports within the specified time, and had manipulated the dates of birth of calves born at the farm by up to eight months.

Further investigations revealed the farming business had failed to report the movements of cattle onto and off its holding. The business also failed to keep adequate records.

It also came to light cattle had been sold to unsuspecting farmers through local auction marts with a false date of birth.

Magistrates accepted Mr Dixon was negligent but of previous good character.

He was fined £23,550 in total, and ordered to pay £3,500 costs.

Speaking after the case, Councillor Janet Willis, portfolio holder responsible for Trading Standards, said: “The spread of disease can have a devastating impact on farmers and the rural economy.

"Although the fine may seem like a lot for one business, it is nothing compared to the potential cost to the local economy that Mr Dixon was risking through poor monitoring and recording practices.

"We recognise that the majority of farmers take their responsibilities seriously, but this sends a clear message to those who don’t, that Trading Standards will thoroughly investigate and prosecute when necessary.”