A Tycroes farmer who had his 27 pigs seized after they were found neglected and living in appalling conditions has been ordered to pay £12k.

Adrian Alexander of The Old Stable Yard, Heol Troeon Bach, admitted a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to the animals, including piglets and sows, and one for not meeting their needs at Llanelli Magistrates Court.

In a case led by Carmarthenshire Council, the court heard that the 51-year-old did not provide enough food, water and dry bedding for the pigs despite being advised by Carmarthenshire Council’s animal health officers on a number of occasions.

Living conditions of the pigs were up to their bellies in deep slurry which prevented them from exhibiting normal behaviour. The majority of them were grossly underweight.

When examined by a vet some of the animals were given a body score of 2 and a sow given 1 - Body score 1 being visually thin with hips and backbone very prominent and no fat cover.

Others were found shivering, covered in muck and had difficulty moving around.

Although some improvements had been made following advice from council officers, it wasn’t enough to end the animals’ suffering and they were seized.

Alexander also admitted two charges of breaching Animal By-Products by failing to ensure that no animal or bird had access and burning a dead piglet in a disused bath tub.

He was banned from keeping pigs for three years and given an 18-Month Community Order. He must complete 25 day of rehabilitation activities, do 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £12k court costs. An £85 victim surcharge must also be paid.

The council’s executive board member responsible for animal health welfare, Philip Hughes said: “This was a shocking case of neglect, with the owner not even providing his animals with their very basic needs – food, water and dry bedding - and the living conditions were totally unacceptable. He was warned on a number of occasions and whilst some improvements were carried out, it was not enough and the pigs were seized. Had they not been removed from the farm then the suffering would have continued.”