Campaigners who do not want donkeys and ponies returned to a family accused of neglecting more than 100 animals in their care turned out in force at Oxford Magistrates' Court today.

RSPCA staff removed 125 animals from Spindle Farm, near Amersham, Buckinghamshire, in January.

James Gray, 44, Julie Gray, 40, Cordelia Gray, 19 and Jodie Gray, 25, all of Spindle Farm, deny 12 charges of causing unnecessary suffering to and failing to meet the welfare needs of the animals.

Deputy District Judge Sandeep Kainth had agreed 29 donkeys and ponies, which the defendants said were pets, could be returned but before they were, the RSPCA appealed.

Pat Kelly, from Witney, said: "Until this trial goes to court, those horses should not be moved."

Glynis Coxeter and Penny Bassett, from Iffley and members of Oxford Area Bridleways Association, also supported the appeal.

Ms Coxeter said: "We want to see justice done and we don't want the horses or donkeys to go back."

At the hearing today, Judge Kainth ruled the animals should remain with the charities looking after them.