A FARMER is facing trial for allegedly failing to deal with chickens that were injured, as well as other animal cruelty offences.

Douglas Price, 38, of Valley Farm, in Low Lane, Bradford, appeared at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

He has been charged with three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and one offence of duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare.

It is alleged on or around February 22 last year, Price had four chickens that were lame and/or had leg swelling and four chickens with facial swelling.

He is accused of failing to provide veterinary care for these conditions.

It is also alleged that Price failed to investigate and address the causes of the poor bodily condition and weight loss of one chicken.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A generic picture of a chickenA generic picture of a chicken (Image: Newsquest)

The ensuring welfare charge relates to 14 chickens.

Price is accused of not protecting the birds from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

This allegedly includes lameness, failing to address bullying injuries, respiratory distress, and failing to maintain body condition.

The court heard Price failed to attend the first hearing of the case and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

But Philip Brown, on behalf of the RSPCA, said Price was “unaware of the hearing, having not seen paperwork issued on two separate occasions to his address”.

Wasim Ahmed, in defence of Price, said his client did not receive paperwork to his address but as soon as he was made aware of the warrant he went to hand himself in.

Mr Ahmed added: “He cannot read or write, the paperwork wasn’t served correctly in the first instance.”

Price was given unconditional bail until the second hearing on Thursday.

Mr Brown told the court he was applying for an adjournment due to legal matters surrounding the case.

The defence team had no objections to this and Mr Ahmed said Price was willing to pass the chickens on to the RSPCA.

The magistrates decided to adjourn the case for trial on February 23, at the same court, and said they “cannot deal with the case today”, due to the legal matters.

They explained that if Price did not appear on that date, the case might be heard in his absence, unless it was in the interest of justice.

They added: “You need to keep in contact with your solicitor so you understand what’s happening because, as you now know, it’s very serious.”

Price was given unconditional bail until the next hearing.