A Carlisle man accused of stealing a woman’s pet ferrets — and allowing them to be destroyed by a dog — is to stand trial in front of a jury later this year.
Axel Read, 24, of Marks Avenue, faced five charges when he appeared at the city’s crown court.
One charge alleges that Read stole two ferrets from a woman between July 31 and August 1 2024.
A second charge alleges that he destroyed two ferrets.
Two further charges allege that Read caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal — once by causing two ferrets to be destroyed by a dog; and, secondly, by allowing a ferret to be removed from its protected enclosure and causing its death.
A fifth charge alleges that Read threatened to destroy or damage other property — a car and home — belonging to the same woman.
During a court hearing in front of Judge Nicholas Barker, Read pleaded not guilty to all five allegations.
A trial is due to start at the crown court in the week of September 7 this year and, it is estimated, will last around two days.
In the meantime Read remains on unconditional bail.
