A veterinary expert will be called in the trial of a Pembrokeshire woman charged with causing unnecessary suffering to her pet cat.

Maria Jane Hicks, 61, of Willow End, Milford Haven, is charged with causing suffering to her black and white cat Max between May 6 and May 17, 2023.

In a prosecution brought by the RSPCA, it is alleged that she failed to provide veterinary treatment for a cancerous tumour on the end of the cat’s nose.

Hicks, 61, has denied the charge and elected to be tried at crown court.

She denied the charge at Swansea Crown Court on Monday June 3, and was granted unconditional bail until her trial.

At Swansea Crown Court today, Thursday, September 26, Judge Paul Thomas heard that the defence would instruct a veterinary expert to compile a report.

The court heard that initial instructions were to employ a holistic veterinary surgeon of which there are only 50 in the country. However, none of them could accept instructions to compile a report.

A mainstream veterinary has now been found who will compile the report which should take four to six weeks to complete.

Judge Thomas listed a further pre trial hearing for late November, with the trial date set for January next year.