(Monday December 15, 2008)UK- They show one thin-looking horse, one animal just before it was put to sleep, and one which had collapsed. Another picture shows a pile of skulls and bones.

The pictures and footage were taken by RSPCA inspectors when they were called to Spindle Farm in the upmarket village of Hyde Heath, near Amersham, Bicester Magistrates' Court heard.

The farm is run by 45-year-old horse trader James Gray, who is on trial alongside his wife, Julie Gray, 41, his daughters, Jodie Gray, 26, and Cordelia Gray, 20, and another person who cannot be named.

They deny a total of 12 charges under the Animal Welfare Act which relate to causing unnecessary suffering to and failing to meet the welfare needs of horses, ponies and donkeys.

The court heard there were 140 animals at the farm and many were left with little food or dry bedding, crammed into pens ankle deep in their own faeces.

They were also surrounded by the rotting corpses of other animals which had been left to die of starvation, it is claimed.

RSPCA chief inspector Rob Skinner said he found 32 carcasses in different locations after being called to Spindle Farm on January 4 this year.

He said horses looked "dejected" and "emaciated" and some animals could not feed freely as they were being bullied by others.

Mr Skinner said he and his colleagues returned to the farm over several days and found more bodies and put down more animals because of the condition they were in.

At times, Mr Gray allegedly became aggressive to those carrying out the inspection.

The trial continues.