A vet and four staff at a Dublin dog pound have been charged at Dublin District Court in relation to animal cruelty.
All five were charged with causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs at the Ashton Dog Pound in Castleknock in July of last year.
One of the accused is charged with killing a protected animal while the others are accused of permitting a person to carry out the killing.
Veterinarian Sydney Nagle, of The Oaks, Hollystown, Dublin 15, is also charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act for possessing Pentobarbital sodium, a type of sedative, at the dog pound on 14 July 2020 for the purpose of selling or supply .
Amongst the charges against Dr Nagle is causing unnecessary suffering to a Bichon Freise and an Akita at the dog pound on the 24 July and causing or permitting another person to kill a protected animal contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
The vet is also charged with failing to keep a record of purchases and sales along with quantities administered, batch numbers and serial numbers of veterinary prescriptions on 29 July 2020.
He is also accused of permitting a person to be in possession of an animal remedy designated for use by a vet only.
David Stone; Hazelbrook, Loughlinstown, Ratoath, Meath, Raymond Connolly; of Cladagh Green, Ballyfermot , Gordon Markey Quinn; Nangle Court, Windtown, Navan and Tamara Philips of Westway Rise, Blanchardstown are accused of causing unnecessary suffering to an Akita and to a Bichon Freise at the Ashton Dog Pound in Castleknock between the 24 and 29 July 2020.
Gordon Markey Quinn is also charged with killing a protected animal while David Stone is accused of killing a protected animal or causing or permitting another person to do it.
Raymond Connolly and Tamara Philips are also charged with causing or permitting another person to kill a protected animal.
Mr Connolly is also accused of obstructing a garda from doing her job at the dog pound on 28 July.
All five were remanded on continuing bail to appear before the District Court on 17 September when they will be served with books of evidence.
They are being sent forward for trial at the Circuit Criminal Court.
