The trial of a well-known dog show judge and his wife on animal cruelty charges has been adjourned at the Palmerston North District Court until August.
In 2007, the SPCA found 161 cats and 87 dogs it alleged were mistreated at a Heretaunga Rd property between Woodville and Dannevirke, owned by David Neil Balfour, and his wife Daryl Kirsty Reid Balfour.
David and Daryl Balfour each pleaded not guilty to four charges - two of ill-treating animals and two of failing to prevent suffering.
The trial was due to finish yesterday, but Judge Grant Fraser adjourned it until August 29 as two crown witnesses were yet to give evidence and the defence had not started its case, the Manawatu Standard reported.
The time needed to hear the case had been "hopelessly underestimated", Judge Fraser said.
The Balfours had run a breeding operation on the property that was formerly a pig farm.
Crown lawyer Paul Murray said the animals had insufficient space, insufficient water, food left uncovered, inadequate shelter, lighting and ventilation, with faeces and rubbish accumulated to unacceptable levels.
David Balfour's lawyer Eric Forster said the allegations could not be proven. Some animals were receiving treatment and 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.
- NZPA
Animal cruelty case adjourned
Former Waiaruhe dog breeder David Balfour and his wife Daryl Kirsty Reid Balfour. Photo / Dannevirke News
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