A woman has denied causing unnecessary suffering to animals at her farm in a Norfolk village.
One of the animal welfare charges Anthea Hewitt is facing relates to 18 peacocks that were said to be not protected against pain, disease and injury.
At least ten Siberian huskies and four springer spaniels, a goat and a rabbit were also among the animals that Hewitt, 48, is said to have not ensured care for.
Hewitt, of Orchard Farm in Rollesby, near Great Yarmouth, entered a plea of not guilty to all charges when she appeared at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court.
The prosecution includes five allegations that Hewitt caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
The other 15 charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 relate to Hewitt's alleged failure to be responsible for an animal and ensure their welfare.
Many of the charges relate to dogs that were kept in kennels at the farm.
It is said that the dogs' "behavioural and social needs were not met" and that their environment "did not protect them from pain, suffering, injury or disease".
All the alleged offences are said to have happened on or before March 5, 2024.
READ MORE: Extraordinary story of 'obsessive' bird egg thief caught stealing from nests AGAIN
Prosecutors said the severity of the charges meant the trial should be heard at crown court, but magistrates ruled that their powers were sufficient.
They warned Hewitt that she could still be sentenced at crown court if found guilty of the allegations.
Rob Barley, mitigating, argued that no bail was necessary for his client.
READ MORE: Norfolk's very own 'Soho Farmhouse' stung with ZERO star food hygiene rating
Magistrates accepted this and adjourned the hearing until June 23, 2025, when Hewitt will face trial at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court.
Speaking outside of court after the hearing, Hewitt said the allegations were "ridiculous".
Last month the RSPCA appealed to rehome seven huskies which used to be present at Orchard Farm.
The dogs had been cared for at kennels near Newmarket.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel