A FARMER from near Leadburn has been fined after film footage of him punching his sheep was passed to cruelty officers.

William Brown was captured on film by an undercover investigator at Herbertshaw Farm.

The 59-year-old admitted to violently punching two male sheep causing unnecessary suffering under Section 19 (1) of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Brown was fined £550 this week at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Scottish SPCA chief inspector John Chisholm said, “We were alerted to the incident by PETA who passed on the video of Brown striking the animals.

“We’re pleased Brown has admitted the offence.

“This is a serious case of animal cruelty by an experienced farmer. He will be fully aware that sheep experience fear and can perceive humans as a threat.

“Violently lashing out at the sheep will spread fear amongst the rest of the flock.

“We would expect anyone involved in the rearing of livestock for commercial purposes to have the highest standards of welfare and treatment.

“We are disappointed that Brown wasn’t banned from owning or working with animals but we hope this will serve as a warning that this behaviour is unacceptable and we will fully investigate any reports of cruelty towards livestock.

“We would welcome the opportunity to discuss welfare practice with the wider industry.”