A BUSINESSMAN is facing more than 30 animal welfare charges relating to pigs, poultry, sheep and horses on his site.

David Cottrell, who owns Medomsley Bangers, a pork and black pudding supplier, is due to answer 36 charges relating to animals on his site at Manor Road, Medomsley, County Durham.

The charges relate to incidents on March 23, April 6 and October 5 and 9 this year.

They include six separate charges of having a duty of the person responsible for animal welfare, nine charges of being a person responsible for farmed animals and failing to take steps to ensure they had the right conditions, 17 of failing to comply with duty regulations 4, 5 and 6 of the Animal Welfare Act and four charges of failing to comply with ensuring animal by products and body parts were properly disposed of.

The case for Mr Cottrell, of 18 Sandringham Avenue, in Whickham, near Newcastle, was heard at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday morning.

The case is a private prosecution that has been brought to court by Durham County Council.

No pleas were entered and both the prosecution and defence solicitors agreed more time was needed to deal with the case.

Magistrate Christopher Cunnington-Shore and his bench agreed to adjourn the case to give Mr Cottrell more time to seek proper legal advice.

The magistrates agreed to adjourn the case until Wednesday, January 9.

It will next be heard at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on that day at 10am where Mr Cottrell is expected to appear.