Ostriches injured in truck
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II A livestock haulier faced animal cruelty charges last week after it was found transporting 26 ostriches—two of which were injured— in a cattle truck.
Driver Adrian Shaw and Edward Graham Gilder, both of Graham Gilder Haulage, based in Elmstone Hardwicke near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, deny two charges of animal cruelty.
The truck was inspected on the ME at Perry Barr near Birmingham on 9 February 1995.
Animal welfare officer Graham Taylor told Birmingham magistrates' court: "I was amazed to see a cattle truck being used to transport ostriches. The vehicle was not adapted in any way."
Two of the birds suffered injuries to their heads and necks as a result of cracks and sharp edges on barriers in the truck, the court heard.
The defence said the injuries were as a result of "inter-ostrich activity" caused by birds inadvertently treading on other birds. The case was adjourned until 29 November.