The charges were serious. Friday September 8, 2023, Laurent, farmer known for having participated in the 15th season of Love is in the meadow, appeared before the criminal court of Rouen (Seine-Maritime), for abandoning animals. Five days later, Wednesday September 13, 2023, justice delivered its judgment. The 48-year-old breeder, who works in Vatteville-la-Rue, was sentenced to four months in prison, as reported by our colleagues at West France, the same day. In addition, his animals are taken from him and will be entrusted to the Brigitte-Bardot foundation. He should also pay 500 euros to each of the three associations formed as civil parties in this case. For the moment, the accused has not wished to speak but he has one month to appeal this decision if he wishes.. “I put all my energy into my animals. I admit, I gave up administration at one point to take care of my animals. But this livestock is my life,” Laurent declared during his trial.
The farmer had received numerous warnings before this conviction
According to his conviction, his argument did not convince the judges. During the hearing, the prosecution recalled the numerous warnings received by the former candidate of Love is in the meadow. As early as 2020, the health authorities had highlighted shortcomings in the state of health of its animals. There have been “17 handrails for lack of care, 112 handrails for lack of watering, a very high mortality rate, beyond the norm”, the prosecution declared. Since March 2023, Laurent no longer had control of his herd of 432 animals. It was withdrawn after a new health check, carried out under the supervision of the veterinary services of the Departmental Directorate for Population Protection (DDPP). Professionals felt that the animals were not well treated since they did not have access to quality food or sufficient water.