Matthew and Courtney Shuker, a couple from Leek, have been prohibited from keeping animals for up to 12 years after admitting more than 30 animal welfare charges. The charges stemmed from incidents at Westwood Hall Farm between 2022 and 2023, which included the starvation death of a German Shepherd named Ruby and severe neglect of cattle.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Telford Magistrates Court, the Shukers received suspended prison sentences. Matthew Shuker, 38, was handed a 38-week prison term, suspended for 18 months, along with a £400 penalty and 200 hours of unpaid work. Courtney Shuker, 32, received a 26-week prison term, suspended for 18 months, a £200 penalty, and 140 hours of unpaid work. They were each ordered to pay £15,000 towards prosecution costs.
The couple was banned from keeping farmed animals for 12 years and domestic animals, including horses, for 10 years. Courtney Shuker was granted 90 days to find new owners for her 33 horses, and the disqualification does not prevent her from riding horses.
Details of the Neglect
Prosecutor Jane Sarginson, representing Staffordshire County Council, told the court that officials visited the farm multiple times over a 13-month period, consistently raising concerns about calf welfare. Many animals were severely underweight due to inadequate feeding, and others lacked proper veterinary treatment. The farm's cattle death rate was 25 percent, compared to a national average of nine percent.
Dead calves were left exposed, animals had insufficient dry bedding, and faeces were found in their feeding troughs. In March 2023, over 200 calves were removed from the farm after the Shukers failed to comply with an improvement notice. They later replenished the farm with additional calves.
German Shepherd Ruby's Suffering
The RSPCA launched a separate investigation after Ruby was found dead in March 2023. A post-mortem examination revealed that Ruby had been consuming wood shavings and plastic due to 'extreme hunger.' Her body had been left in her bed for five days. Four other dogs at the farm were surrendered to the RSPCA and have since been rehomed.
Judge's Remarks
District Judge Graham Wilkinson noted that the couple's horses were well-cared for, unlike the other animals. He stated: "These offences strike at the heart of an animal-loving nation. The worrying and distasteful feature of this case, is that you did care for your horses, but you did not care for your dogs, and you did not care for your cattle." He also expressed concern about their 'obsessive' acquisition of additional animals while struggling to care for those they already had.
Defence Mitigation
Defence solicitor Stuart Jessop told the court that during the offence period, Courtney Shuker had an extremely challenging pregnancy, which placed considerable strain on the household. He described the couple as 'grossly incompetent' but argued it was not intentional cruelty. Jessop said: "They were out of their depth. They weren't keeping on top of things because they were struggling with the situation they were in. Mrs Shuker was hospitalised, and was really ill. This had an effect on both of them. Mrs Shuker had been a big character on the farm, and she was missed a lot."
Judge Wilkinson acknowledged that Courtney Shuker's pregnancy provided stronger mitigation and noted both defendants had prior good character and entered early guilty pleas.
Council Response
Councillor Anthony Screen, cabinet member for community safety and resilience at Staffordshire County Council, welcomed the sentencing. He said: "This is a particularly upsetting case involving vulnerable, young animals whose basic welfare needs were not met. Despite professional advice and intervention, the couple continued to offend, even after animals had been removed from the site. Investigations of this nature require significant time and public resources, but they are essential to protecting animal welfare. I'm pleased the court has reached a successful conclusion, sending a clear message that we will take robust action where welfare standards are ignored."
The Shukers no longer keep commercial livestock at the farm but currently operate an animal feed business.
