Two Carlisle women have appeared in court accused of causing suffering to a parrot which died after allegedly being put in a tumbler drier and fed to a dog.
Tracy Dixon, 46, and Nicola Bradley, 35, each face one charge.
This alleges that they caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal at an address in the city on July 30 last year.
Dixon and Bradley stand accused of killing an African grey parrot, called Sparky, and that they knew — or ought to have known — that a number of acts would have that effect or be likely to do so.
A prosecutor at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today said the women had gone to the address of the parrot’s male owner.
It is alleged that the parrot was covered in Mr Muscle furniture polish and paint. It is further alleged that the bird was put into a tumble drier, fed to a dog and hit with a tea towel.
When they appeared in court this afternoon Dixon, of Warnell Drive, and Bradley, of Welsh Road, both pleaded not guilty to the charge. Each woman is said to blame the other for the alleged offence.
The two women are now set to stand trial at the magistrates’ court. This hearing has been fixed for July 18.
In the meantime, Dixon and Bradley were granted bail by magistrates.
