A TRIO from Pensnett have denied neglect and causing unnecessary suffering to horses at Fen's Pool Nature Reserve.

Amanda Hickman, aged 48, Kevin Hickman, aged 23 and Walter Hickman, aged 52, all of Wallows Road, have all pleaded not guilty to multiple counts under the 2006 Animal Welfare Act.

The charges relate to alleged offences dating back to November 2011, involving horses and ponies at the reserve.

At Dudley Magistrates Court, District Judge Michael Wheeler remanded them on unconditional bail until a hearing in January ahead of a three-day trial, starting on Tuesday February 26.