Animal abuse, lack of traceability and undeclared work: the breeding couple heavily sentenced

The verdict was delivered this Thursday, January 9, at the Mende court. Midi Libre – ARCHIVE

This Thursday, January 9, 2025, the Mende court delivered its verdict in the Gaec d’Albaret-Sainte-Marie (Lozère) case.

On November 7, 2024, the hearing lasted nearly six hours at the Mende court. It must be said that the offenses charged against the couple of breeders from Albaret-Sainte-Marie and their Gaec were numerous: 44 in all.

More than ten cattle from their farm, spread across the departments of Allier, Cantal, Tarn and Hautes-Pyrénées, had disappeared. Three had been found decomposing, hidden under hay. The two farmers were also suspected of trafficking in ear tags and of undeclared work – an act for which they had already been convicted in 2018. The prosecutor had requested very harsh sentences for them. The judges followed her demands.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

Ten-year ban on keeping animals

This Thursday, January 9, the court sentenced the breeder to three years in prison, two of which were suspended with a two-year probationary period and an obligation to repair the damage caused, and a €1,000 fine. He was also banned from carrying out any professional activity related to the offense and from keeping animals for ten years.

His wife received the same sentence, except that hers will be entirely suspended. Both will be deprived of their civil rights for five years. Found guilty, the SARL and the Gaec are dissolved.

More than €470,000 in damages

In addition to the criminal penalty, the defendants will have to reimburse the moral and material damages suffered by the civil parties, many of whom have joined in this case. They will thus have to compensate the Council of the Order of Veterinarians to the tune of €1,500, the association L214 for a symbolic €1, the company Languedoc Lozère Viande for €2,880 and especially the MSA of Languedoc for the astronomical sum of €473,755, not to mention the reimbursement of the latter's legal costs. As for the Urssaf of Cantal, a hearing on civil interests will take place on April 7.

I subscribe to read the rest