A FARMER has been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to four sheep under his care.

William Brown, 58, is accused of repeatedly punching and kicking the animals as well as shouting and swearing at them.

The charge states he caused the sheep unnecessary physical and mental suffering.

The offence is alleged to have been caused at Herbertshaw Farm at Howgate near Leadburn on July 5.

The case was continued without plea at Selkirk Sheriff Court until February 11.

  • We have been asked to point out that the accused in this case is not William Brydon Brown, of Mount Lothian Farm.