Watford animal welfare trial set after donkey hit by car

A trial has been scheduled for May 2027 at St Albans Magistrates' Court regarding alleged animal welfare offences involving Chaim Bard, 50.

Bard faces 11 charges related to the keeping of animals, including two counts of causing unnecessary suffering. The charges stem from an incident where an escaped donkey was hit by a car in Watford on November 9, 2025. Additionally, Bard is accused of failing to obtain veterinary treatment for a female donkey and failing to prevent the animal from accessing a highway.

Further allegations include failing to provide notification for keeping sheep and goats, failing to produce poultry records, and failing in his duty to ensure the welfare of donkeys, goats, sheep, and chickens. These offences were allegedly committed between September 2025 and July 2026. A case management hearing is set for December 2026.