Animal breeders' cruelty case starts

Dogs taken during an SPCA raid on a property owned by David Balfour. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today.

The trial of a well-known dog show judge and his wife on animal cruelty charges has begun at the Palmerston North District Court.

In 2007, the SPCA found 161 cats and 87 dogs it alleged were mistreated at a property between Woodville and Dannevirke, owned by David Neil Balfour and his wife Daryl Kirsty Reid Balfour.

David and Daryl Balfour have each pleaded not guilty to four charges - two of ill-treating animals and two of failing to prevent suffering, the Manawatu Standard reported.

In his opening statement, Crown prosecutor Paul Murray said the Balfours ran a dog and cat breeding operation on a property that was formerly a pig farm.

The animals allegedly had insufficient space and insufficient water.

Faeces and rubbish had accumulated to unacceptable levels, food was left uncovered and the animals had inadequate shelter, lighting and ventilation, Mr Murray said.

Defence lawyer Eric Forster, representing David Balfour, said the allegations could not be proven.

Some animals were receiving treatment, while reasonable steps were taken to prevent sickness outbreaks, he said.

All the cats and 30 dogs were seized by the SPCA, with 81 of the cats having to be destroyed.

The trial opened yesterday and is expected to finish next week.

- NZPA