A SWINDON couple charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a dog in their care last year are to face trial in October.
James Mark Alexander Cooper, 22, of Truro Path, Toothill and Katie Faye Gardiner, 22, of the same address, appeared before District Judge Simon Cooper at Swindon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
At a hearing last month, each had pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an adult female whippet-type dog at their home address between August 24 and September 10 last year.
The prosecution has been brought by the RSPCA and at the case management hearing on Wednesday Judge Cooper heard procedural points from both sides.
He said that the trial was likely to last three days and a further hearing would be necessary at Swindon Magistrates' Court on September 20, when the defendants would not be required to attend.
The defendants were released on unconditional bail to appear at Chippenham Magistrates' Court for the start of the trial at 10am on October 24.
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