Trial over abuse of hundreds of animals begins today

Published: 6:15AM Monday May 23, 2011 Source: Newstalk ZB

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A Woodville couple will today stand trial for what is alleged to be the country's biggest and worst case of animal cruelty.

Former dog breeders David and Daryl Balfour are facing four representative animal cruelty charges relating to the mistreatment of 81 dogs and 161 cats between August 2006 and March 2007.

Each charge carries a fine of up to $25,000 or a prison term of six months.

The trial was pushed back after a High Court judge last year ruled that TV footage filmed with the help of the SPCA at the couple's property, was illegal.

The trial, in Palmerston North, is expected to last around ten days.

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