A WEST Devon farmer who already has a string of convictions for cruelty to animals was this week found guilty of 13 separate charges relating to animal welfare at his farms at Lydford and Bridestowe. Magistrates at Cullompton on Monday dismissed claims that Richard Piers Brendon, of Luxmoor and Great Bidlake farms, was the victim of a Government witch-hunt. They found him guilty of charges including cruelty to animals, failing to provide adequate dry bedding and failing to keep medical records. He was cleared of one charge of causing suffering to a Galloway cow. During the trial, Mr Brendon, 53, told the court he was the victim of a Defra witch-hunt. He claimed he was convinced he was doing everything possible to ensure his animals had adequate bedding and that sick animals were treated properly. He told the court the British Cattle Movements Service, which documents cattle movements, limited the way he cared for his animals because he did not have the relevant documents. Anna Harrison, a vet working for Defra, told the court she had visited Mr Brendon?s farms and found cattle with inadequate bedding, walking with mud and faeces up to their knees. She told the court the farms were both dangerous for stock and that any straw that was available was being eaten. One bull had been so emaciated it had to be destroyed, said Miss Harrison. Last year, Mr Brendon was convicted of 26 charges of causing cruelty to his animals and fined £20,000 ? he has a record of similar convictions stretching back to 1993. Gloria Williams, chairman of magistrates, said: ?Mr Brendon has tried to claim some form of vendetta against him. However, we were not convinced by this. ?Mr Brendon had a cavalier attitude towards his cattle.? Sentencing was adjourned until January 16 next year, when Mr Brendon faces a possible jail sentence.