A MAN and woman are to stand trial, accused of mistreating 44 dogs.

Deborah Fuller, 54, and Phil Sheldrake, 58, both of Harwich Road, Lawford, face 16 charges relating to the health and wellbeing of 42 Rhodesian ridgebacks and two hamiltonstovare dogs.

They have denied the charges and will stand trial at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on January 21.

They have been released on bail in the meantime.