A MAN and a woman from Egremont have pleaded not guilty to charges of causing a dog unnecessary suffering.

Samantha Bagley, 29, and Stephen Graham, 33, both of Milton Road, Egremont, are each facing two allegations of causing a Staffordshire bull terrier unnecessary suffering between September 24 and November 24 last year.

For each defendant, the first charge states that they failed to provide the dog - called Keanu - with adequate nutrition.

The second allegation, again faced by both Bagley and Graham, is that they failed to investigate and address the cause of the dog’s poor condition and weight loss.

During a brief hearing at Carlisle Crown Court, barristers involved in the case said the trial that will now take place is expected to last three to four days and will involve expert evidence.

Recorder Ian Unsworth QC ruled that the trial will get underway on December 12. The prosecution has been brought by the RSPCA.