Unlicensed vet charge dropped against Hall's Janet Spate, new charges foreshadowed

Janet Spate (79) had been accused of providing vet services while unregistered. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.

An elderly Hall woman has had two charges against her withdrawn when she first appeared to face fresh allegations in the ACT Magistrates Court.

Janet Adrienne Spate had many supporters when she fronted court on Wednesday (15 February), where she pleaded not guilty to possession of a drug of dependence.

While charges of providing a veterinary service when not registered and possession of a declared substance without authority were withdrawn, the court heard additional charges were pending.

It was not clear whether these were replacement or new charges; however, the 79-year-old’s legal representation indicated she would plead not guilty to those accusations when they were laid.

Ms Spate was arrested last month after multiple tip-offs to ACT Policing.

It’s alleged multiple veterinary drugs were located at her home when detectives and RSPCA Inspectors arrived.

She’s next scheduled to appear in court on 26 April.

Her bail was continued.