Swansea resident receives lifetime ban for animal cruelty

Mr Erasmus was issued with a lifetime ban against keeping animals at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday 4 June and after pleading guilty to a number of offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

Over an extended period, council officers investigated concerns raised by members of the public and carried out repeated visits to Mr Erasmus' field at Bolgoed Road in Pontarddulais. The visits followed complaints about the conditions in which animals were being kept.

During the visits, animal welfare officers in the council removed pigs and goats observed to being kept in unsuitable conditions. Following the visits, Mr Erasmus proceeded to purchase more animals and these were also subjected to similar conditions.

Rhys Harries, Swansea Council's Team Leader for Animal Welfare, said: "The decision of the court to ban Mr Erasmus from ever being allowed to keep animals, is the right one.

"During repeated visits by my officers, they witnessed animals being kept in appalling conditions. Each time we did what we needed to do to remove these animals and ensure they were made safe.

"The Council takes animal welfare seriously, and we will always respond to complaints about animal safety and take the necessary action whenever it is required."

The investigation formed part of sustained work by Swansea Council to respond to reports from concerned residents and protect animal welfare.

Following the issuing of the lifetime ban, Swansea Council said the result reflected the seriousness of the case and its continued commitment to taking action where there are significant concerns for animal welfare.

Mr Harries added: "This case should send out a very clear message to others that we will do whatever is necessary to protect the welfare of animals and to keep the safe and healthy."