A FARMER has been accused of delaying the countryside's recovery from foot-and-mouth disease by repeatedly allowing his animals to escape.

During yesterday's hearing at Hereford Magistrates Court, Philip Probert admitted allowing five cows to stray from his 40-acre infected farm on Tuesday, July 17, last year.

But Probert, in his 50s, insisted someone had cut the string to his field, freeing five beasts.

Mike Jones, prosecuting on behalf of Herefordshire Council, said Probert had been warned the same month after sheep escaped from a grass keep. The court was also told the cows were back in their pens 24 hours before he even knew of the escape.

Malcolm Hopes, defending, said that, on this occasion, it was not his client's fault.

"He had left the gate between the field and the road locked and, when he next went there the string had been cut," he said. "He could have done nothing more to secure them in their field."

Although magistrates described the offence - which took place four days before the end of the foot-and-mouth movement restrictions - as "very serious", Probert was conditionally discharged for 12 months, but ordered to pay £300 costs.

He had admitted guilt but was not in court.

After the hearing, Herefordshire Trading Standards' animal health and welfare officer John Parker, said it was a great blow that he had not been dealt with more severely.

"Quite frankly, it's very disappointing," he said. "We took action after many visits to the farm because of sheep escaping. We assisted in getting them back on a number of occasions.

"He was initially warned but, to our great frustration, and that of other farmers, the situation continued."

Mr Parker said Probert, who lives with his 91-year-old mother at Pucha Farm, Michaelchurch, had hindered the foot-and-mouth recovery.

"Restrictions were lifted within a few days but, as far as we can tell, his actions delayed this," he said.