AN ELECTRICIAN’S neglect of his herd of llamas following a Christmas split from his wife led to five of the animals dying, a court has been told.

RSPCA and Defra officials found John Shaw’s llamas in an emaciated state in a field at Thistle Hill, near Knaresborough, in February, with Harrogate magistrates hearing some of them were little more than skin and bones.

The 41-year-old admitted causing unnecessary suffering leading to death and two charges of not ensuring the animals’ needs were met by not providing a suitable diet and failing to protect them from pain, suffering and disease.

RSPCA prosecutor Tanya Forret said some of the llamas died and others had to be put down.

Peter Minnikin, defending Shaw, of Littondale Avenue, Knaresborough, said his client’s marriage had broken down and all the money he earned went on feeding his herd, but he could not afford solid food.

Shaw was jailed for 12 weeks, suspended for a year, ordered to do 200 hours’ unpaid work and pay £3,050.40 costs, and banned from keeping animals for ten years.