AN investigation has been launched after concerns were raised over the conditions of a Criccieth farm after a cow had to be put down.

Officers from the RSPCA visited the farm after concerns were raised locally for the welfare of the herd of cattle kept there.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are now leading an investigation into the conditions at the farm after a visit by the RSPCA which saw one of the cows put down by the farmer.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “The RSPCA can confirm that three inspectors attended the location following a report of concerns about the welfare of a cow in a field in Criccieth on Wednesday, 6 January.

Sadly the cow was put to sleep by the farmer.

“The Animal and Plant Health Agency is leading on this and we are assisting in any way we can.”

APHA has confirmed that the invest­igation is on-going.

An APHA spokesperson said: “APHA takes all allegations of breaches of animal welfare legislation seriously and all are investigated as a matter of urgency. However, we are unable to comment on individual cases.

“Where welfare problems are found, advice or warnings are usually sufficient to bring about satisfactory improvements.

“Where necessary and where the evidence is available, the local authority, as the appropriate enforcement agency, may initiate prosecution action for welfare offences.”