THE trial of sheep farmer Lancelot Beale was delayed by legal arguments at Kennet Magistrates' Court in Devizes this week.
Beale, of Wyatts Lake Farm, Westbrook, near Chippenham, pleaded not guilty to 21 charges when the case started on Monday.
He is being prosecuted by Wiltshire Trading Standards under various animal welfare legislation.
Beale, 51, faces eight charges that on November 20 2000 he caused unnecessary suffering to sheep and lambs by failing to treat or destroy them.
He also faces seven charges of causing unnecessary suffering to sheep and lambs by failing to treat or seek veterinary advice for emaciation and lameness in January last year. In addition, he also faces four charges of failing to dispose of sheep carcasses.
He is also charged with failing to keep records on the movement of sheep and failing to maintain records of medicines given to sheep intended for human consumption. The case is expected to last several days.
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