Full Breakdown
Leek Couple Sentenced, Banned from Keeping Animals After Calf and Dog Neglect
7/30/2026, 9:35:38 PM
Sentencing and Animal Bans
On July 29 the husband and wife from Leek—Matthew Shuker, 38, and Courtney Shuker, 32—were sentenced at Telford Magistrates’ Court for more than 30 animal-welfare offences committed between 2022 and 2023. Matthew received a 38-week custodial term, suspended for 18 months, a £400 fine, 200 hours of unpaid work and £15,587 in prosecution costs. Courtney received a 26-week custodial term, suspended for 18 months, a £200 fine, 140 hours of unpaid work and £15,354 in costs. Both were disqualified from keeping farm animals for 12 years and from keeping companion animals—including horses—for 10 years.
Background and Investigation
The case originated from a Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards investigation that began in 2022. Officers visited Westwood Hall Farm repeatedly over a 13-month period, issuing improvement notices after finding calves emaciated, lacking veterinary care, and housed on inadequate bedding. In March 2023 the council removed 243 calves from the farm and placed them under its care. A separate RSPCA probe uncovered the death of a German Shepherd named Ruby, whose post-mortem showed extreme hunger after being left unattended for five days. Four additional dogs were transferred to the RSPCA and later re-homed.
Data and Statistics
- Farm-animal mortality rate: ? 25 %, compared with a national average of 9 %.
- Calves removed in March 2023: 243 (over 200 initially taken after the farm failed to comply with an improvement notice).
- Unlawful castration of bull calves documented.
- Fines and costs: £400 (Matthew) and £200 (Courtney) plus > £15,000 each in prosecution expenses.
- Unpaid community service: 200 hours (Matthew) and 140 hours (Courtney).
- Animal bans: 12 years for farm livestock, 10 years for companion animals.
- Horses: Courtney retained 33 horses; the judge noted they were well cared for and gave her 90 days to find new owners.
Official Statements and Judicial Remarks
District Judge Graham Wilkinson highlighted the couple’s “obsessive” acquisition of additional animals while they struggled to meet existing care standards. He praised the condition of the horses, ordered Courtney to relocate them within 90 days, and clarified that the disqualification would not prevent her from riding.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our animal health team work hard to ensure livestock is properly cared for. This is a particularly upsetting case involving vulnerable, young animals whose basic welfare needs were not met.” — Councillor Anthony Screen
- “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.” — Mr Jessop
What’s Next
Public records show that the Shukers have shifted to the animal-feed sector. Blythe Animal Feeds Ltd (company number 16341846) was incorporated at Westwood Hall Farm on 25 March 2025, with Courtney Shuker listed as the sole director. The company is currently active, though a proposal to strike it off has been filed and its confirmation statement is overdue. No further legal findings have been made against the company or its director.
