Northern Ireland

Mother and daughter appear in court accused of cruelty to dogs

The trial is expected to last two days
The trial is expected to last two days The trial is expected to last two days

A mother and daughter from the Shankill area of Belfast appeared in court today, where they both denied a charge of animal cruelty.

Sandra Mullen and her daughter Julie Mullen - who have separate addresses at Cambrai Street - appeared at Belfast Crown Court in relation to a Jack Russell and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Sandra Mullen was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a Jack Russell over a period from January 1, 2016 to October 3, 2016. When the charge was put to her, she replied "not guilty."

Also denying a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal over the same period - namely a Staffordshire Bull Terrier - was Julie Mullen. When the charge was put to her, she also replied "not guilty.

Crown barrister Michael Chambers told Judge Geoffrey Miller QC that the trial was expected to last two days.

Judge Miller said he would review the case later this month ahead of the trial, which is due to commence on April 26th.

Ordering Sandra and Julie Mullen to attend court for both the review and the trial, as both women stood in the dock they were told by Judge Miller "you are free to go at this time."