A 67-year-old woman will be sentenced next month after appearing in court in connection with 32 counts of animal cruelty-related offences.  

Cambridgeshire Police say the animals – 22 dogs and three cats in total – were discovered "living in poor conditions" at an address in Thorney Road, Guyhirn, near Wisbech.  

Court documents say the charges relate to various breeds including pomperanians, chihuahuas, daschunds, British bulldogs and cavalier king Charles spaniels.   

Tina Shortell admitted all 22 charges of not taking reasonable steps to ensure the animals’ needs were being met under the Animal Welfare Act of 2006.      

The explanation supporting these charges says: “... you failed to provide a suitable environment, and failed to protect the animal from pain, suffering injury and disease.” 

At the hearing on October 31, she also indicated guilty pleas to nine charges of “causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal”. 

One further charge of causing unnecessary suffering does not have a plea listed. 

The court listing includes brief details of the offences which are dated April 19, 2024.  

The “causing unnecessary suffering” charges claim there was a failure to keep the animals clean, which led to skin irritations and matting. There were also medical needs to be addressed.  

One charge explicitly details how a Yorkshire terrier’s teeth were in such poor condition that a dental examination and extractions had to be performed under general anaesthetic. 

Shortell, of Orton Brimbles, Peterborough, is due to appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court December 4 for a sentencing hearing. 

In May, Fenland District Council issued an appeal for Ravenswood Pet Rescue after the charity was involved in what is now understood to be the Guyhirn rescue.  

It asked for donations of puppy pads, washing powder, quick dry fleece blankets, pet disinfectant, puppy, dog and cat food. A fundraising page was also launched and raised £3,600.