THREE members of the same family will face more than 200 animal cruelty charges for an illegal puppy farm, believed to be operating in Pyramid Hill.
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Dean Peace and his parents John and Phyliss Peace appeared in the Swan Hill Magistrates' Court last week as part of one of the largest cases of animal cruelty taken on by the RSPCA.
The 247 charges - likely to be reduced at sentencing late next month - include overcrowding, aggravated cruelty to specific dogs, lack of veterinary care, insufficient food, insufficient grooming and the manner of confinement.
Dean Peace faces 80 of the charges and his company, JB and PW Peace Pty Ltd, faces 78 charges.
John and Phyliss Peace are facing 45 charges each.
The number of charges will be condensed before a plea hearing and sentencing at the Kerang Magistrates' Court on May 28.
The three people also faced a hearing at the Kerang Magistrates' Court last month on charges from Loddon Shire Council over violating planning permit conditions on their operation at Pyramid Hill.
RSPCA Victoria prosecutor Trish Riddell told the court there had been discussions around the maximum 10 year ban on keeping dogs for those involved.
Bendigo Advertiser with the Gannawarra Times