The trial of Wales-based dog sanctuary owner Anne Lewis, of Minnetts Lane in Caldicott, which was expected to start this coming August, has been adjourned.
Lewis, 69, is facing trial for 15 seperate alleged offences concerning unnecessary suffering of dogs after pleading not guilty to them all in May 2024. Some of the charges relate to several dogs.
Lost Souls Sanctuary, based on Lewis’ property in Rogiet, was raided by Monmouthshire County Council, supported by police, vets, behavioural experts and other agencies in September 2023, after being granted a court order.
During the raid, 82 dogs were seized, and 11 were put to sleep due to behavioural and health concerns. Many of the dogs have now been rehomed by the council after the council successfully applied to the court for ownership of them. Lewis did not challenge the application to the court.
This morning, the prosecutor, Mr Bell, and defence counsel, Ms Sarginson, appeared by video link during a short hearing. Lewis did not attend the hearing due to not being required to.
An application was made during the hearing in front of His Honour Judge Mills, sitting at Cardiff Crown Court, which has delayed the trial date.
A two-day hearing in late August will take place relating to the abuse of process. The hearing will cover an alleged disclosure subject.
Deadlines were set for skeleton arguments and responses to be filed by both parties.
After the hearing, which is set to last over two days at the end of this coming August, a trial date will be set.
The new trial is expected to last for three weeks next year, 2026.
Lewis was not in attendance for the hearing.