POLICE have been called in to a farm at the centre of an animal abuse scandal after the blameless owner was the victim of trolling on social media.

Farmer James Read received the threatening messages after undercover footage emerged of an unsupervised 18-year-old farm hand kicking cows in the face and slamming a metal gate into them, punching and kicking newborn calves and throwing them to the floor, as well as shouting obscenities at the animals.

As reported in the County Gazette and online at countygazette.co.uk Mr Read, of Pyrland Farm, Taunton, sacked the apprentice after the abuse came to light and branded his actions "unacceptable and totally unnecessary".

This week, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "We have received a report of malicious messages directed at the owner of a Taunton farm.

"This follows release of a video on social media which shows animals on the farm being assaulted which is subject to an RSPCA investigation.

"The apprentice who was responsible has been dismissed by the farm owner who has now himself become the centre of social media criticism, some of which has been threatening.

"We have spoken to the farm owner and offered him reassurance and support.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

The County Gazette has tried unsuccessfully to contact Mr Read today.

A former worker said: "James has received death threats and people have been protesting about what happened.

"It's out of order because he would never condone cruelty to his cows.

"He's a lovely man and I worked there for a time. He didn't even like it if you shouted at the animals."