A Norfolk woman has denied causing unnecessary suffering to eight ponies by failing to provide them with enough food and water.

Penny Hubbard, 58, is set to face a trial after pleading not guilty to three charges brought as part of an RSPCA investigation.

They include that she caused unnecessary suffering to three ponies kept at Mattishall, near Dereham, by failing to address the cause of their poor bodily condition and weight loss between May and August 2022.

The ponies included a miniature Shetland called Poopy, a Palomino miniature Shetland known as Dolly and a piebald cob pony called Elliott.

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She is also charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a grey Arab type pony known as Silver and a chestnut Welsh pony called Sebastian in July 2022.

A third charge relates to failing to provide adequate nutrition and drinking water for eight ponies in breach of the Animal Welfare Act over a three month period.

King’s Lynn Magistrates Court granted Hubbard, of Watercress Lane, Mattishall, unconditional bail pending a hearing at Norwich Crown Court on December 15.