Man sentenced after repeated incidents of failing to stop goats from straying
A Betws Ifan man has been sentenced after repeatedly failing to stop his goats from straying onto neighbouring land and the public highway.
From summer 2024 onwards, Ceredigion County Council’s Public Protection team issued ongoing verbal and written advice to Mr Christopher Wise of Llainweddfa, Betws Ifan, urging him to repair his boundary fencing. His goats had been found wandering into private gardens, farmland, and onto the highway, creating risks for residents and motorists. Despite this advice, the fencing was not repaired and incidents continued until March 2025.
Mr Wise gave several reasons for the lack of repairs, including hot weather and claims that badgers were digging under the boundary.
With no improvement and further complaints received, the Council began legal proceedings. On 5 March 2025, Mr Wise appeared at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to breaching a Community Protection Notice under the Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The court issued a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), giving him 12 weeks to repair the fencing.
However, problems continued. On 13 June 2025, officers again witnessed goats roaming between his property and neighbouring farmland and damaging crops, confirming that neither the Notice nor the CBO had been complied with.
Mr Wise was summoned back to court on 3 February 2026, where he again pleaded guilty - this time for breaching the Criminal Behaviour Order. At sentencing on 25 February 2026, he received a 12 month community order which is designed to change behaviour and prevent re-offending. The order requires Mr Wise to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days which are structured sessions that must be completed under the supervision of the Probation Service.
He was also fined £80, plus a £114 victim surcharge. The Council was also awarded £300 in costs.
Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection said: “Straying livestock can put motorists and neighbours at risk. Our officers gave repeated advice, and the court set clear requirements. Where notices and orders are ignored and problems persist, we will act to protect the community and uphold the law. Of course it is for the court to decide the sentence”.
10/03/2026