Couple to stand trial for alleged pet cruelty

Animals at the farm owned by animal breeder David Balfour. Photo / SPCA

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

- Newstalk ZB