A Warrak woman who allegedly mistreated dozens of animals over years at her property, leading to a "mass grave" of horses, will fight the charges.
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On Thursday, the Ballarat Magistrates' Court was told Christine Weisheit's lawyers will present their own expert veterinary witness, to combat the four senior veterinarians and forensic entomologist giving testimony in support of the RSCPA, which is prosecuting the matter.
Among the opinions will be a report from the RSPCA's then-chief veterinary surgeon.
The charges stem from 2016, when vets inspected Weisheit's property and allegedly found emaciated horses and cats - inspections revealed a "failure to provide proper veterinary care", according to the prosecution, with horses allegedly showing hoof and stomach problems, parasite infestations, and extreme malnutrition and emaciation.
It's also alleged a "large number of dead horses" were found "in a mass grave on the property".
An expert vet opinion on cats seized from the property will also be presented, which notes a similar failure to provide care - it's alleged animals were found with lice, feline influenza, dental issues, malnutrition, and a parasite infestation.
Weisheit was banned from being in charge of more than 35 cats at a hearing in 2019, and faces more charges of breaching that order after 79 cats were found at her property in 2020.
Her defence lawyer asked for more time to secure reports from independent vets for the horse and cat charges from 2016, as well as to review body-worn camera evidence from the 2020 incident.
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A horse vet was working on a report, the lawyer said, and a cat vet was being sought.
Magistrate Noreen Toohey said she expected the reports to be complete and ready for the prosecution to review within four weeks, given the case has "been going on for four years".
The matter was adjourned to August 30 for further mention, with a contested hearing booked for September 20.
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