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.

Merida, a female Husky, who was the subject of an RSPCA appeal for a new homeMerida, a female Husky, who was the subject of an RSPCA appeal for a new home (Image: Nesslands of Burwell) 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.

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Prosecutors said the severity of the charges meant the trial should be heard at crown court, but magistrates ruled that their powers were sufficient.

Anetha Hewitt, 48, pictured leaving Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court after entering not guilty pleas to all 20 chargesAnthea Hewitt, 48, pictured leaving Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court after entering not guilty pleas to all 20 charges (Image: Bruno Brown) Anetha Hewitt, 48, pictured leaving Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court after entering not guilty pleas to all 20 chargesAnthea Hewitt, 48, pictured leaving Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court after entering not guilty pleas to all 20 charges (Image: Bruno Brown)

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.

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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.

Pictured is a peacock similar to the ones said to have been mistreated at Orchard FarmPictured is a peacock similar to the ones said to have been mistreated at Orchard Farm (Image: Denise Bradley)