4th May 2023

The business operator of a slaughterhouse on the outskirts of Chester and six men who worked there have been sentenced for animal welfare offences including, in some cases, causing avoidable pain, distress or suffering to animals.

G and GB Hewitt Ltd operates a slaughterhouse at The Abattoir, Huxley, where cattle and sheep are slaughtered.

In addition to the company itself, the defendants, all slaughtermen, are:

• Mark Lee Hewitt, 34 from Huxley
• Stephen Mayren, 66, of Poulton-le-Fylde in Lancashire
• Joseph Anthony Arden, 66, from Nantwich.
• Matthew David Arden, 32 from Whitchurch.
• Gerald Mark Hewitt, 59, from Tarporley.
• Paul May, 49, from Whitchurch.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) monitors and enforces animal welfare at approved slaughterhouses in England and Wales by ensuring they are compliant with all specific requirements in hygiene and animal welfare legislation.

Legislation is in place to protect the welfare of animals at the time…