Woman denies animal offences

A WOMAN who owns Busgrove Wood in Stoke Row will stand trial after being accused of allowing the death of “numerous” newborn piglets.

Susan Soul, 72, of Busgrove Lane, has opted for a trial by jury after she was charged with 11 offences between October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2024.

It is alleged she had stored the dead pigs in nine blue barrels which had been delayed in getting collected from her land.

She has also been charged with three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, three counts of failing to comply with an animal by-product requirement and two counts of duty of a person responsible for an animal to ensure welfare.

Soul has also been charged with one count of contravening an order by a local authority and two counts of failing to record details of veterinary medical product.

She has pleaded not guilty to all the offences and opted for a trial, which will take place at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday, May 8.