VIDEO footage of dogs and puppies living in cramped conditions was shown to magistrates this week during an animal cruelty case.

The video, taken by the RSPCA, showed dozens of animals living in cramped conditions in a conservatory and kennel block at the home of Byrness woman Lynn Stoker.

Stoker (62) of Raw House Farm, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court in Bedlington on Monday, after denying 11 charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, four counts of failing to ensure an animal’s welfare needs were met and one application for animals to be given to the RSPCA.

The RSPCA, which brought the prosecution against Stoker, had applied for 113 dogs and two cats to be handed over to its care.

The court heard that the kennels had no drainage, no natural light and were also wet with urine.

It is also alleged that Stoker caused unnecessary suffering to animals by failing to deal with health problems such as chronic dental disease, hip injuries, and eye problems, and that she failed to provide the animals with enough water.

The court was told that Stoker was “a dog breeder who wasn’t very good at selling dogs, and the amount of animals had accumulated over time.”

Stoker had contacted the RSPCA to get help rehoming her animals to a manageable level so she could retire and travel.

Speaking in court, RSPCA inspector Heidi Cleaver described Stoker as “very personable” initially.

Furthermore, while some of the dogs were said to look thin, Stoker told inspectors that some were between 16 and 18 years of age, and no fleas were ever found on any of the animals.

However, the relationship between the RSPCA and Stoker was said to have deteriorated over time, which led to a warrant for the animals being issued.

Inspector Cleaver said: “We were increasingly concerned about the welfare of the animals.

“We had tried to reduce the number to a manageable level.

“We had concerns due to the sheer number of dogs.”

Eleven animals were taken into the RSPCA’s care in 2017, when Stoker initially contacted the charity, before more were seized last May.

Another video showed Stoker shouting and swearing at RSPCA officers whilst being asked to calm down.

The trial continues, and is expected to end on Friday.