Farmer facing jail over 'Happy Pig' convictions

The Happy Pig Company, based on Sluice Lane, off Herbrand Walk, was raided by officers from the Animal Health Agency and Trading Standards in January. Evidence of cannibalism was found along with seriously underfed pigs and dead animals.

Owner Keith Barnett, 60, of The Square, Pevensey Pay, admitted not providing enough food, water and shelter for the animals, and was convicted of the seven charges at Hastings Magistrates Court on Tuesday (September 7).

Barnett, who has previous unspent convictions for molesting young boys and downloading child pornography, has sold all the livestock since the raid.

Gareth Jones, prosecuting on behalf of East Sussex County Council, said: "The animals had no feed, water or anywhere to sleep.

"Three were in effect starving. Two were dead.

"The pigs were in a very cramped area and if you look at the expressions of the pigs' faces they certainly didn't look like they belonged to the Happy Pig Company."

Defending, Nicholas Baskett said Barnett had started keeping pigs in 2007 but struggled to cope after a heart attack.

"As a one-man operation he was unable to manage and provide the care he should have. It is clear the animals must have suffered."

Magistrates adjourned the case for reports to be prepared before Barnett is sentenced. He was ordered to return to Hastings Magistrates Court at 2.15pm on September 29, and was warned he could be jailed.