Margaret Teare charged with cruelty against 20 animals

A County Down woman has appeared in court on animal cruelty charges involving 20 animals.

Margaret Teare, from Donard View, Bishopscourt, near Downpatrick, faces 14 counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

She also faces a further 14 counts of failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of an animal were met.

Ms Teare has yet to enter a plea to the charges.

The alleged offences relate to a pony, a rottweiller, a springer spaniel, two collies, six kittens, six cats, two snakes and a cockatiel.

A prosecution lawyer told the court this was a very serious case and if the plea was guilty there would be six witnesses called.

When it came to fixing a date for the next hearing, Ms Teare's defence barrister told the court his client was undergoing treatment for cancer.

The next hearing is set to take place on 12 November.