A west coast woman facing almost 50 charges of animal cruelty has been advised to get a lawyer soon as her trial nears in the new year.

The 44 charges of causing “unnecessary pain, suffering or injury” to the animals were laid against 50-year-old Michelle Young in April of 2023.

That was a year after more than a dozen animals, mostly goats, were found either dead, starving or unable to walk on her farm in Heatherton, near Robinsons.

But two-and-a-half years after being charged, Young remains without a lawyer, with several postponements granted as she provided new reasons for that during each appearance.

A month ago, she told Judge Kari Ann Pike she had an appointment with a lawyer, but now says she’s speaking to a different firm in St. John’s.

With the four-day trial looming in mid-January, Pike bluntly advised Young today to retain counsel ASAP or, if representing herself, to meet soon with the Crown.

Young had been trying for years to import and breed animals at her farm, first with bison, then goats and other animals.

But she was also critical of the related costs, citing hurdles with government funding, as well as finding and paying for animal feed.

Her trial is scheduled to start on January 13th in Stephenville Provincial Court.