San Diego

Embattled kennel owner Ruby Mae Brown was ordered Thursday to undergo psychiatric testing before her trial on 210 counts of animal neglect, abuse and kennel violations can continue.

Two psychiatrists were appointed to evaluate Brown, 61, owner of Kelly’s Pet Hotel on West Morena Boulevard, and criminal proceedings were suspended.

San Diego Municipal Judge Robert Coates ordered the hearing in view of her bizarre conduct in the last few weeks and set a March 3 hearing in Superior Court so a judge can rule on her mental competency.

If found incompetent, she could be remanded to a state mental hospital until she regains her mental ability to stand trial.

Brown has insisted on acting as her own attorney and in recent weeks made death threats against Humane Society officers for trying to take away her license.

She has been jailed several times because of her threats, an initial refusal to turn over an assault rifle, and then on Wednesday for showing up 2 1/2 hours late for trial.

The charges relate to the filthy conditions of her kennel in which dogs had become sick because feces and urine were not collected.

Deputy City Atty. Fritz Ortlieb said Brown is competent to stand trial.