Devon woman admits ill-treating more than 200 dogs

A woman has admitted ill-treating more than 200 dogs in Devon.

At Exeter Crown Court, Diana Curtis, 66, pleaded guilty to seven counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals at her home near Hatherleigh, and at kennels at Chulmleigh Cross.

Both sites were raided by RSPCA inspectors and staff from Torridge District Council, the court heard.

Judge Stephen Climie adjourned sentencing until 4 June and released Curtis on bail.

All the offences were committed in February and March last year, the court heard, with a roll-up charge mentioning the mistreatment of 191 dogs at Chittlehamholt.

When inspectors arrived on the scene, they found a bearded collie reportedly in pain from a dislocated shoulder, the court heard.

They also discovered a black and tan terrier had an injured mouth, a collie with a skin condition and a sheepdog suffering from an ulcerated eye.

None of them had received the veterinary treatment needed.

Curtis, of Peters Marland, is already banned from keeping animals after being convicted by Exeter Magistrates Court in December of ill-treating horses, chickens and ducks.

She was jailed for 16 weeks, suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £10,000 costs for those offences.

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