A GWENT man admitted multiple counts of animal cruelty.

Brenig James Hardacre, 45, of Trinant Terrace, Trinant, pleaded guilty to more than 30 counts relating to livestock including cattle and ponies at Newport Magistrates’ Court.

Hardacre pleaded guilty to six counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and ten counts of breaching the duty of a person responsible for an animal to ensure its welfare.

He also admitted 13 counts of failing to take all reasonable steps to ensure the conditions under which farmed animals were kept complied with regulations and two counts of failing to properly dispose of dead animals

Susan Eads, prosecuting, said there was a significant amount of evidence showing Hardacre had neglected the animals, causing many of them to lose serious amounts of weight.

Ashley Harkus, defending, said that it was not the defendant’s farm, it was his father’s farm, adding his father could not attend court as he suffers from dementia.

Magistrates agreed to adjourn the case for sentencing until March 7.

It was confirmed all animals under Hardacre’s care had been seized and that the delay in sentencing would not affect the animals’ wellbeing.

Hardacre was granted unconditional bail.