Breeder charged over 250 sick pets

A breeder at the centre of New Zealand's biggest animal hoarding case has been charged with neglecting nearly 250 pets.

National dog breed judge David Balfour, 58, has been charged with four counts of ill-treating and failing to ensure the health of 161 cats and 87 dogs at the former Woodville piggery where he used to run an animal breeding business.

Each charge carries a prison term of up to six months and/or a $25,000 fine.

The property was checked by the SPCA in August last year and he was given time to improve conditions there. However, another raid last month allegedly found seriously sick animals. MORE>>