A MAN is facing jail for a string of cruelty charges after almost 30 dead animals were discovered at a run-down stables.
Lee Howard today admitted causing unnecessary suffering to 13 horses, 11 hens, four dogs and a rabbit.
Howard, 39, also denies abandoning three dogs in circumstances likely to cause them unnecessary suffering.
The RSPCA prosecution follows the gruesome discovery of the animals at a rundown property in Trimdon, County Durham, in May.
Howard, of Douglas Street, Middlesbrough, appeared at Bishop Auckland Magistrates Court today.
The case was adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and Howard was warned that the sentence was likely to be custodial.
The maximum sentence for animal cruelty is six months jail.
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