The family operating Shukers Farm Shop has broken its silence after two relatives were sentenced for more than 30 animal welfare offences. Andrew, Debra and Luke Shuker, who run the farm shop and rear livestock in Weston Coyney, have issued a statement distancing themselves from Matthew and Courtney Shuker, the couple previously responsible for Shukers Pet and Animal Feeds on the same site.
Background: a farm shop and a family split
Shukers Farm Shop is a long-established family business that also hosts a veterinary surgery, a dog grooming service, a salon, a fertility clinic and a café. Matthew and Courtney Shuker had run the pet and animal feeds business from the premises until their recent conviction. However, the two branches of the Shuker family have been estranged for more than five years, according to the farm shop's new statement.
"Unfortunately, we now find ourselves having to publicly address long-standing private family disputes involving Matthew Shuker and Courtney Shuker who previously operated Shukers Pet and Animal Feeds from our site," the statement said. "Over five years ago, a serious family disagreement resulted in a complete breakdown in family relationships between Matthew and Courtney Shuker and other members of the family."
No knowledge of farm conditions, say owners
The couple at the centre of the case ran Westwood Hall Farm in Leek, where the animal cruelty offences took place between 2022 and 2023. The farm shop statement says the wider family had not visited the farm since the dispute. "As a direct result of this breakdown, we have not visited Westwood Hall Farm in Leek since before this argument took place. So we would have no knowledge of the state and condition of the animals at this address," it explained.
The statement also addressed rumours that had circulated for years. "We wish to make it absolutely clear that although we had heard rumours over the years and questioned the individuals involved, we were repeatedly assured that no wrongdoing had occurred and that the rumours were misunderstandings. We were not informed of the truth, nor were we aware of the severity of the crimes or of the court hearing date until the news article was published."
The family said they were unable to evict Matthew and Courtney from the pet feed unit earlier because of legal limitations and their repeated denials. "While we would have preferred to act sooner, with denials of any wrongdoing by Matthew and Courtney we had no reason to evict them from the unit occupied by them."
Sentences and court orders
Matthew Shuker, 38, received a 38-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with a £400 fine and 200 hours of unpaid work. Courtney Shuker, 32, was given a 26-week prison term, also suspended for 18 months, plus a £200 fine and 140 hours of unpaid work. The pair were also ordered to pay over £15,000 towards prosecution costs.
In addition, both have been banned from keeping farm animals for 12 years and prohibited from keeping domestic animals, including horses, for 10 years. The convictions followed the discovery of neglected dogs and other animals at Westwood Hall Farm, with images published by Staffordshire County Council.
Appeal to public to spare other businesses
In their statement, the Shuker family stressed that the other enterprises on their site are independent and should not face backlash. "We would also like to remind the public that the other businesses operating on our site are small, local, independently run enterprises. They have no connection to the events in Leek. Please do not direct negativity or blame towards them - they, like us, have worked extremely hard to build their businesses and are now facing unfair consequences."
The family added: "We are deeply upset and appalled by the events reported at Westwood Hall Farm in Leek. Animal welfare has, and always will be, a priority for us. Our own farm remains open, and we welcome visitors who wish to meet our animals and see how we operate. We understand that people will form their own opinions, but we felt it important to share our side."
The statement was reported by The Sentinel, which said the court case at Telford Magistrates Court concluded this week. The farm shop's owners say that due to the family rift, there has been little meaningful communication between them and Matthew and Courtney Shuker, leaving them unaware of the seriousness of the situation until the media reported it.
