Three Armagh men have appeared in court on charges of animal cruelty in which it is alleged they killed a badger.
Gerard Francis Gorman (26) and Tony Gorman (32) both of Callan Street, as well as John Shields (47) from Cludee Drive, are jointly accused of causing unnecessary suffering to a badger and knowingly caused or permitted an unlawful act by killing it and disturbing a badger sett.
Offending is alleged to have occurred on February 10, 2019.
A defence barrister for all three accused entered not guilty pleas on their behalf at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court.
It is unclear why the charges have taken almost four years to reach this stage.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan ordered the accused to return to court on February 8 when a contest date is to be fixed.
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