A legal battle between a council and an animal charity regarding noisy geese and cockerels has been adjourned until next year.

Amey James, who runs Happy Pants Ranch, off Iwade Road in Bobbing, is fighting Swale council over an animal noise abatement order.

The issue began in April last year when complaints were made about the sanctuary's birds.

The complaints came after the rescue centre – a home for about 350 unwanted or abandoned animals from cows, dogs, ducks and sheep to goats, parrots and pigs – moved from its previous base at Yelsted, to its new 20-acre site.

Last Wednesday, Ms James and a colleague attended Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court.

The prosecutor told the bench that a whole day would be needed for the hearing due to the number of witnesses who would be brought before them.

As a result, the case was adjourned until 10am on March 17 at Maidstone Magistrates' Court.

Ms James only spoke to confirm her name and address before the adjournment decision was made.

Afterwards she said: "I suppose the extra time is good to prepare information and witnesses for the appeal.

"I felt like one of the Dingles in Emmerdale standing up in court and for what, defending animals making animal noises in the countryside."