Caithness woman faces trial over charges of failing to care for 26 dogs and cats

A Caithness woman is to contest three charges of failing to properly care for a collection of 21 dogs and five cats for which she was allegedly responsible.

The complaint against Jill Leslie at Wick Sheriff Court alleges she failed to provide a safe and sanitary environment by housing them in a derelict, roofless property at her home at The Clash, Occumster.

It is alleged it had loose masonry with no electricity or running water with the animals being exposed to the elements and living in dangerous conditions which were littered with faeces, household waste and debris.

The dogs included two German Shepherds; two labradoodles; a poodle; and a Doberman.

The charges cover a period between September 15 and October 22, 2024.

Forty-nine-year-old Leslie was not present when her case was called in court on Wednesday but her solicitor Fiona MacDonald pleaded not guilty on her behalf.

Her trail is set to take place on September 2.