A FOREST couple are to stand trial over on nine animal welfare charges alleging they caused unnecessary suffering to numerous dogs and puppies by failing to provide them with basic care.

Margaret Davies,73, and William Davies, 76, of Awre Road, Blakeney, appeared before Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday (June 29) and denied three charges of failing to take steps to meet the needs of a female corgi with eight puppies, a schnauzer with a litter of puppies and 27 other dogs and their litters on July 1 2021.

They also denied failing to provide 27 dogs and puppies with their basic requirements such as drinking water, clean bedding, a suitable diet and protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease on July 1 last year.

Mrs Davies further denies causing unnecessary suffering to a French bulldog called Winston by failing to get veterinary treatment for a variety of conditions.

Another charge alleges that she caused unnecessary suffering to another French bulldog, ‘Amelia,’ by failing to get treatment for tumours and the loss of sight in one eye.

A third charge denied by Mrs Davies is that she caused unnecessary suffering to ‘Jock,’ a Scottish terrier by failing to provide timely and appropriate veterinary treatment;

Mrs Davies further pleaded not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a Scottish terrier, ‘Fiona,’ by failing to get treatment for mammary masses and otitis in both ears.

The final charge that Mrs Davies denied was of causing unnecessary suffering to a schnauzer, ‘Nathalie,’ by failing to provide veterinary treatment for severe periodontitis requiring the extraction of 20 teeth.

Prosecutor Greg Gordon said all the charges are suitable for trial at the magistrates court rather than by Crown Court jury but he suggested that due to the legal argument that is likely to be generated during the heating should be held in front of a district judge rather than lay JPs.

Heath Thomas, defending Mr and Mrs Davies, said: “The couple dispute the allegations that they caused unnecessary suffering to their dogs.”

Presiding Justice Peter Gray told the couple: “The lawyers in this case have worked together to establish how long the trial will take so as the court can allow sufficient time for the case to be heard.

“This will be a three day trial that will begin on November 14 and run for three days at the Cirencester Nightingale Courthouse.”

Mr and Mrs Davies were released on unconditional bail until the next hearing.