Two Dale women have admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a host of horses and dogs in their care.
Some 22 horses and 19 dogs were involved in the case against Kerry Anne Pickersgill and Ellie Newby, both of Park House Farm, in Marwood, when they appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court last week.
Three of the horses were found dead.
The RSPCA brought charges against the pair after some of the animals were found to be suffering from various conditions including dental disease, parasite infestations, lameness, and eye and ear diseases.
Pickersgill, 48, admitted that she had breached a conviction at Wakefield and Pontefract Magistrates’ Court in May 2015 which disqualified her from keeping certain animals.
She also pleaded guilty to 12 other charges relating to causing unnecessary suffering to the animals.
This included failing to provide adequate nutrition for a female Old English sheepdog called Ali and not providing it with veterinary treatment for eye and ear diseases.
She had also not taken “remedial steps” regarding Ali’s matted coat.
Pickersgill admitted she had also not provided adequate nutrition for a male poodle named Bailey, nor had she sought treatment for its sore paws or matted coat.
Similarly, a female clumber spaniel known as Lolly had not been treated for ear and eye diseases, and sore feet.
Pickersgill further pleaded guilty to failing to provide “nutrition, water, veterinary treatment, dry lying area, grooming and socialisation for the 19 dogs, exposing them to ammonia, allowing them to have overgrown nails, and failing to protect them from pain, suffering, injury, disease and distress”.
Among the charges relating to the horses, Pickersgill admitted she had failed to provide them with a suitable environment, adequate diet, treatment for lameness, thrush, rain scald, lice and swollen limbs.
She also failed to provide clean drinking water or hoof and dental care.
Newby, 25, pleaded guilty to failing to provide for the nutritional needs of a greyhound called Minty and a cross-bred spaniel named Poppy.
In addition, she admitted she had not addressed Poppy’s extreme behavioural issues nor had she provided the dog with veterinary treatment for its dental disease.
Both women were released on unconditional bail until a pre-sentencing report is prepared.
They are due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on December 11.
