KEY POINTS:
Well-known dog show judge David Balfour and his wife today pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges.
Balfour, 58, and Daryl Kirsty Reid Balfour, 47, appeared in Dannevirke District Court today.
They were remanded to appear at a status hearing in Palmerston North District Court on September 21.
They face charges relating to the alleged mistreatment of up to 81 dogs and 161 cats between August 23 last year and March 5.
The offences were alleged to have taken place at a former Woodville piggery where Balfour had run an animal breeding business.
Each faces four representative charges of ill-treating and failing to ensure the good health of the animals, about half of which were subsequently destroyed due to diverse health issues.
Each charge carries a possible fine of up to $25,000 and a prison term of up to six months.
It was thought to be the biggest animal case regarding pets ever brought by the SPCA.
- NZPA
